Three shootings in four days, one arrested

Three shootings in four days, including one fatal incident, had Ocala Police Department officers busy through the weekend.

The most recent shooting happened on Sunday at about 7 p.m. when a male juvenile was grazed by a bullet during a drive-by shooting near the Happiness Homes neighborhood, at Northwest 21st Street and Northwest 24th Road. The injuries were not life-threatening, according to police.

The gunplay started on Thursday, when Joshua Tyson, 16, was shot and killed at an incident at Sutton Place Apartments, 523 NE 23rd Circle. Tyson was shot multiple times just before 9:30 p.m. and died at the hospital, according to OPD.

No arrests were made in that shooting, the second fatal shooting of a teen at Sutton Place since December. Police said they found a stolen handgun in Tyson’s possession.

Less than 24 hours later, an 18-year-old man was shot at least four times in a 2 p.m. shooting at the Promenade of Ocala Apartments, 1421 SW 27^th Ave. The man, who was not identified by police, remains in critical condition.

Jihad Kiran Elvy, 19, was arrested after a K9 officer found him hiding in a wooded area nearby. Police also recovered a handgun about 10 feet from where Elvy was hiding, according to reports.

Elvy denied being the shooter and said he ran after hearing shots.

A video posted by OPD shows Officer Alex Roos and his K9, Cheney, as they began following the path where Elvy was seen running. Cheney was eventually able to lead Roos to the wooded area where Elvy was lying.

Elvy has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, and resisting arrest without violence. He was being held without bond.

Three teens have been killed by handguns in the last year and multiple shooting incidents continue to erupt around the city and country.

Anyone with information about the incidents are asked to call 352-369-7000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867). Tips can also be submitted at www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.