A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on several felony charges in connection with a shooting incident in Silver Springs Shores that critically wounded a man last week.
On Friday, November 14, at around 5:45 a.m., Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the intersection of Oak Lane and Locust Pass Trail in reference to shots being fired in the area. When deputies arrived on-scene, they found an adult male victim who had sustained a gunshot wound, according to MCSO.
The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. MCSO stated in an update that the victim’s condition is now stable.
MCSO detectives responded to the incident location to investigate the shooting. While speaking with detectives, a witness identified the shooter as 17-year-old Jeremy Pitts, and the sheriff’s office stated that the witness positively identified Pitts in a photo lineup.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Pitts is a student at Lake Weir High School. After making contact with Pitts, he allegedly told investigators that he was at home when the shooting occurred, according to MCSO.
However, the arrest report stated that Pitts later told an employee at Lake Weir High School that he “shot (the victim).” When an MCSO deputy responded to the school, Pitts allegedly was overheard stating that he “didn’t mean to do it” and that his hand had “just slipped.”
After being read his Miranda rights, Pitts allegedly told MCSO investigators that he knew the victim “discards marijuana roaches” in front of the victim’s home. A few days prior to the shooting incident, Pitts claimed that the victim had struck him in the head and told him to stay away from the property, according to the report.
On the morning of the shooting, Pitts allegedly retrieved a Taurus 9mm handgun from his parents’ room before heading over to the victim’s house. During the post-Miranda interview, Pitts allegedly claimed that he had intended to “collect assorted roaches from (the victim’s) front patio area.”
Shortly after arriving at the incident location, the victim exited the home and confronted Pitts. According to Pitts’ statement, he was struck multiple times in the face by the victim, and he ran away from the property while brandishing the handgun to “scare the victim.”
Pitts then allegedly pointed the handgun behind him while running, and the firearm discharged while it was pointed toward the victim.
In the report, an MCSO corporal noted that Pitts’ face did not have any cuts, bruising, or swelling that would be consistent with being struck numerous times.
Pitts was placed under arrest and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice. He is being charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, armed trespassing, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.