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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ocala man accused of threatening woman with machete near Paddock Mall

A 26-year-old Ocala man was arrested after a woman claimed that he chased after her and threatened to harm her with a machete.

On Monday, January 2, an Ocala Police Department officer responded to the 2800 block of SW 27th Avenue in reference to a male suspect who allegedly chased after a woman with a machete. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with a man on the north side of Applebee’s, and he was identified as Billy Ray Abney.

Billy Ray Abney
Billy Ray Abney

According to the OPD report, Abney was detained and searched for weapons while another officer made contact with the female victim.

The victim told the officer that she was leaving the Paddock Mall from the food court area and was walking down the southeast exit of the mall’s parking lot when Abney jumped out of the bushes. She claimed that Abney told her, “I am going to chop your head off with this machete.”

The victim stated that she was in fear for her life, and she ran northbound on SW 27th Avenue towards Walmart. She advised that she was nearly struck by a vehicle while crossing the roadway as she attempted to get away from Abney.

When the victim reached Walmart, she stated that Abney continued northbound on a bicycle towards McDonald’s, and the machete was still in his hand. She told the officer that she had never met Abney prior to this incident.

The OPD report stated that Abney’s bicycle was located behind McDonald’s and Logan’s Roadhouse, and the machete was found underneath the bike.

According to OPD, the victim positively identified Abney as the person who had chased her with the machete.

Abney was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $10,000 bond. He is facing a felony charge for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.

A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, according to jail records.