Man faces attempted murder charge after attacking deputy

[Photo courtesy MCSO]

A  Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s life was saved by his bullet-proof vest the afternoon of May 13 when he was attacked and stabbed by a knife wielding man in Dunnellon, according to media reports and an MCSO Facebook post.

Deputy Robert Fitch responded to a suspicious person call around 5 p.m. in the 11700 block of Northwest 10th Place.

“As Deputy Fitch exited his vehicle, he was immediately ambushed by Medina Marquez, causing him to fall to the ground. Medina Marquez then climbed on top of Deputy Fitch and repeatedly stabbed him in the chest before fleeing into a nearby wooded area,” according to the MCSO post.

Marquez, 38, emerged from the woods and was apprehended by Deputy Montalvo as he arrived on the scene, the MCSO post indicated.  

“After being placed in a patrol vehicle, Medina Marquez told deputies, “I should have killed you, you know that right.” Deputy Fitch sustained minor injuries during the attack, his bulletproof vest saved his life,” the MCSO post stated. 

Marquez was arrested by major crimes detectives Larson and Kephart and charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and placed in the Marion County Jail with no bond, according to the MCSO post.