Ocala police arrest man accused of deadly shooting inside Paddock Mall

OCALA, Fla. — The Ocala Police Department announced early Monday it has arrested the suspected gunman after a deadly shooting at the Paddock Mall.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Investigators released a video showing Albert Shell Jr. being taken into custody.

Police said Shell shot and killed a tattoo artist on Dec. 23.

After more than two weeks of searching, Ocala police have now put Shell behind bars.

Read: Ocala police search for wanted suspect involved in apartment complex shooting

He is accused of shooting and killing a local tattoo artist inside the Paddock Mall two days before Christmas.

Police said Shell was arrested after a joint operation with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal Service.

Officials said Shell was located about 20 miles southwest of Ocala in the Florida Highlands.

“The next step for our detectives will certainly be to bring anyone to justice that was aiding or embedding him,” said Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken.

Read: 1 person killed in shooting at downtown Orlando parking garage, police say

Shell is accused of shooting and killing Ocala-based tattoo artist David Barron inside the mall.

Police said Barron was the target of the shooting.

“I have no reason to believe this was anything other than a beef between two individuals that was resolved in a mall with a gun,” Balken said.

Read: 71-year-old bicyclist killed in hit-and-run crash, troopers say

A woman shopping at the mall was also hit in the leg but is expected to make a full recovery.

With a lengthy criminal record and four other arrests just this year, Balken said Shell should have never been on the streets to begin with.

Shell is being charged with premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2024 Cox Media Group