A 28-year-old convicted felon was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly shot another man in the stomach outside an Ocala home.
On Sunday, February 9, a male victim was brought to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. The victim’s condition was described as “critical but stable,” and he immediately underwent surgery for treatment of his injuries, according to the arrest report.
A female witness told a Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporal that the gunman, identified in the report as Ocklawaha resident Cameron Jelis Gezel, had met her earlier in the day at a local hotel. While at the hotel, she stated that Gezel showed her a 9mm handgun that he allegedly kept in a small backpack, and she added that Gezel “usually carries the backpack everywhere he goes.”
The witness advised that the victim arrived in his vehicle to pick up the witness and Gezel. They then drove to a home located on Silver Way Drive in Ocala. While at the incident location, Gezel and the victim allegedly got into an argument while in the driveway.
The report stated that the witness heard a single gunshot while facing away from the victim and Gezel. When she turned around, she advised that the victim fell to the ground while “holding his stomach and screaming.”
Following the shooting, the witness recalled seeing Gezel wrap the handgun in a jacket before dropping it onto the ground. She advised that it “appeared to be the same firearm (Gezel) had showed her earlier in the day,” according to the report.
Gezel then allegedly fled from the incident location on foot. He was located in the backyard of a local residence, and he was detained in handcuffs. During a pat-down search, a clear plastic baggie containing a green leafy substance was allegedly found in one of his pockets, which field-tested positive for marijuana.
After being read his Miranda rights, Gezel admitted to being with the female witness at the hotel, and he recalled seeing the victim’s vehicle. However, he denied that he was given a ride by the victim, according to the report.
Gezel then refused to further discuss the incident, and the interview was terminated.
A criminal history search of Gezel revealed that in July of 2018, he was convicted in Marion County of discharging a firearm in public from a vehicle (one count), burglary of a conveyance (nine counts), and grand theft (three counts).
Gezel was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of marijuana (20 grams or less).
On Tuesday, March 11, Gezel is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m., according to jail records.