The Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 64-year-old man after he allegedly broke a window at a local residence and struck the homeowner with a 24-inch metal stake.
On Sunday, an MCSO deputy responded to the incident location on SW 41st Terrace in Ocala in reference to a battery incident. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the male victim who advised that he had been struck in the back of the head with a metal stake, according to the arrest report.
The victim told the deputy that he was inside his home when he heard one of the windows breaking. When he went outside, he stated that he encountered Steven Wilson Gray. According to the victim, Gray was holding a metal stake in his hand, and he used it to strike the victim.
The deputy spoke with one of the victim’s male neighbors who claimed to have heard the incident. When the neighbor walked outside, he stated that he saw Gray “winding up with the metal stake” to strike the victim who was on the ground, according to the MCSO report.
The neighbor told the deputy that he grabbed Gray to stop him from striking the victim again. After a slight altercation, the neighbor stated that he was able to gain possession of the metal stake, which he threw onto the ground. The stake was found at the scene by the deputy.
When Gray began to leave the area, the neighbor stated that Gray pulled out a box cutter knife and allegedly threatened to “cut” him. The MCSO report indicated that the neighbor feared for his life during the incident.
The victim and neighbor both advised that Gray left the area on a “girl’s style bicycle.” According to the victim, Gray was known to frequent the Marion Oaks area.
The deputy noted in the report that the victim had a bump on his head, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injury. The deputy also observed the broken window at the victim’s home, and the damage was estimated at $400.
Another MCSO deputy located Gray near the intersection of Marion Oaks Boulevard and Marion Oaks Lane. According to the report, Gray was walking with a “girl’s style bicycle,” and he matched the description that was provided by the victim.
The deputy detained Gray in handcuffs, and a yellow box cutter knife was found in his right pocket during a pat-down search. In addition, a green leafy substance that field-tested positive for marijuana was located in his wallet.
After being read his Miranda rights, Gray refused to discuss the incident. He was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $12,000 bond.
Gray is facing felony charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. He is also facing misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana (20 grams or less) and criminal mischief with property damage over $200 but less than $1,000.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, according to jail records.