OCALA, FL – A deputy in Marion County was injured early Monday morning after a woman allegedly opened fire from inside his patrol SUV. The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. near the Budget Inn on South Pine Avenue, though the hotel was not directly involved.
Authorities reported that the deputy had arrested 22-year-old Rhianna Hardin in Summerfield for driving with a suspended license and drug possession. While en route to the jail, Hardin reportedly retrieved a firearm concealed on her person and began shooting.
The deputy’s SUV, riddled with bullet holes, eventually crashed into a telephone pole, knocking it over. Several shots struck the vehicle’s passenger side and front windshield. Both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic. One bystander initially thought it was a typical car accident, a common occurrence in the area known for frequent speeding.
Both Hardin and the deputy were hospitalized but have since been released. The FDLE spent significant time examining the crime scene and the damaged SUV.
A central question of the investigation is how Hardin managed to bring a gun into the vehicle without detection. Authorities are reviewing the arrest procedures to determine if any protocols were breached.
Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of thorough searches during arrests to prevent similar incidents. The case highlights ongoing concerns about officer safety and proper detainee handling.