An Ocala man is behind bars after he allegedly broke into a tent at a local encampment and stabbed another man multiple times.
On Thursday, February 5, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporal made contact with the male victim at a local medical facility. The victim advised that he was asleep in his tent in the woods when he “woke up to being stabbed and sliced in his back,” according to the arrest report.
When the victim attempted to stand up, he stated that he was “stabbed on the top of his head.” The report mentioned that the victim then grabbed the wrists of his alleged attacker, who he recognized as John Fitzpatrick Essex.
According to the victim’s statement, Essex proceeded to flee from the tent, and the victim chased after him. Moments later, the victim allegedly observed Essex setting fire to another tent at the camp before leaving the area on foot.
The victim told the corporal that he was unsure why he was stabbed by Essex. In the report, the corporal noted that the victim was unable to describe the weapon used in the attack.
A total of 10 lacerations were observed on the victim’s back, along with one laceration on his left shoulder and another laceration on his scalp, according to the report.
Law enforcement soon located Essex, and he was taken into custody. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Essex refused to discuss the incident, and he was booked into Marion County Jail.
Essex remains in custody without bond, and he is facing the following charges: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon; armed burglary of a dwelling, structure, or conveyance; and battery (second or subsequent offense).
A court date for Essex has not been scheduled yet.
Essex is no stranger to Marion County Jail. Since January of 2017, Essex has been arrested a dozen times on charges that include battery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, grand theft, petit theft, and violation of parole, according to jail records.