OCALA, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department has issued a first-degree murder arrest warrant for a 39-year-man after earlier asking help for identifying a person of interest in the mall shooting two days before Christmas in which a man killed was apparently “targeted."
Albert J. Shell also is sought for attempted first-degree of a woman, who shot in the leg with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
"If you call OPD and tell us where he is and your information leads to his arrest, we will pay you $5,000! Call 352-656-6137. Please, do not call that number for any other matter," the agency posted on X.
If you call OPD and tell us where he is and your information leads to his arrest, we will pay you $5,000! Call 352-656-6137. Please, do not call that number for any other matter. https://t.co/xDMPxPqvEX
— Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023
Early Sunday, department posted on X a message with images from the Paddock Mall in seeking information on a person of interest.
"If you recognize this person, please call 352-369-7000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP (7867) or **TIPS. Tips can also be submitted to http://OcalaCrimeStoppers.com."
This is a person of interest in the deadly Paddock Mall shooting.
— Ocala Police (@ocalapd) December 24, 2023
If you recognize this person, please call 352-369-7000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County by calling 352-368-STOP (7867) or **TIPS. Tips can also be submitted to https://t.co/TZBhTyKhkL. pic.twitter.com/c1x2qW5dCH
The agency also wants anyone who was at the mall and video recorded during shooting to share at mediarelations@ocalapd.org or 352-656-6137.
They also are seeking the person who took the shooter's red hat from the crime scene because it "may contain valuable DNA evidence, and we need it back."
The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters Saturday night.
The victim has been identified as David Nathaniel Barron, 40.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice," the department said.
Balken said the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area. A woman was shot in the leg, police said.
Several other mall patrons also suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said.
The mall's corporate owner, WPG, said in a statement that they were working with the Ocala Police Department in the investigation of what happened.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved," the statement said. “The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority.”
Police arrived at the mall around 3:40 p.m. after calls of multiple shots being fired at the mall.
