A 35-year-old convicted felon from Ocala who passed out in the grass near an intersection while intoxicated is facing a felony charge after a loaded firearm was allegedly found in his waistband.
On Sunday, September 29, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the intersection of SE 110th Court and S Highway 441 in Summerfield in reference to a man, later identified as Derek Cebern Woods, Jr., who was laying unresponsive in the grass near the roadway, according to the arrest report.
Upon arrival, the deputy observed Marion County Fire Rescue paramedics administering aid to Woods. The paramedics advised that while retrieving Woods’ identification from his wallet, which was connected to his pants via a chain, they observed a firearm in his waistband. The report stated that the firearm, a 9mm Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol, was removed by the paramedics.
The deputy noted in the report that the pistol was loaded with one round in the chamber. A criminal history search Woods revealed that he has a prior felony conviction in Alachua County for possessing a weapon or ammunition as a convicted felon.
Woods was taken to a local hospital due to his “extreme intoxication,” and he was eventually released after “losing a significant level of intoxication throughout the night.” The deputy then explained to Woods that he was being taken to Marion County Jail.
After being read his Miranda rights, Woods initially denied possessing a firearm. However, he eventually admitted that the firearm in question belonged to his wife, according to the report.
During the post-Miranda interview, Woods stated that he is “in a biker gang.” Prior to passing out near the intersection, he allegedly stated that he instructed his riding partners to “take (the pistol) off of him.” The report stated that Woods was able to describe the make and model of the firearm that was confiscated by paramedics.
Woods was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted Florida felon.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.