The Ocala Police Department arrested a 31-year-old convicted felon on Thanksgiving after a loaded handgun and backpack filled with drugs were located inside his vehicle.
On Thursday, November 24, at around 8:15 p.m. an OPD officer responded to the 2100 block of NW 1st Avenue due to reports of gunshots being fired in the area. Upon arrival, the officer checked the area and did not see a shooting scene or anyone with injuries, according to a social media post from OPD.
Additional officers were requested to assist with a security check of a nearby apartment complex, Ocala Place. As one of the officers was walking through the apartment complex, two parked vehicles were observed in a grassy area where residents are known to gather, according to OPD.
The officer observed Clarence Jamal Evans, a convicted felon, in the front seat of one of those vehicles.
OPD stated that the officer could smell marijuana coming from Evans’ vehicle. As the officer approached the vehicle, Evans rolled up the window, exited the vehicle, closed the door, and ran away from the officer. After a brief pursuit on foot, the officer grabbed Evans and detained him in handcuffs.
According to OPD, Evans had over $6,800 and multiple ecstasy pills in his pockets. Inside his vehicle, on the front seat floorboard where he was seated, a loaded handgun and backpack filled with drugs were also located.
Evans was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $183,000 bond. He is facing multiple felony charges that include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, armed trafficking in MDPV (more than 400 grams), possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and resisting arrest without violence, along with misdemeanor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia (seven counts).
A court date has been scheduled on Tuesday, December 6 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.