Marion County Man Arrested After Axe Threat and Standoff with Deputies
David Lee Barr was arrested on September 16, 2024, following two intense incidents that started with an axe-wielding confrontation and escalated into a police standoff.
The trouble began on September 15 when Barr threatened his neighbor, Daniel Hager, with an axe after allegedly vandalizing Hager’s power meter box. Hager, armed with pepper spray, managed to fend off Barr, who fled to his nearby home at 14465 SW Highway 484. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly, aware of an active warrant for Barr’s arrest on an unrelated petit theft charge. Despite Barr’s attempts to evade law enforcement, deputies witnessed him pacing inside his residence. After Barr turned off his lights and ignored repeated commands, the officers decided to return the following day.
On September 16, deputies arrived at Barr’s home with a K-9 unit to serve the warrant for both the axe incident and the outstanding theft charge. Despite being spotted inside, Barr refused to surrender. Authorities used a loudspeaker to issue multiple commands, but Barr remained barricaded in a bedroom closet. A K-9 unit, led by Deputy Christmas, was deployed, and Barr was eventually subdued by K-9 King. Barr sustained bite wounds and was transported to Ocala Regional for treatment before being booked into the Marion County Jail.
Barr has a history of disputes with Hager, including several incidents of vandalism and threats dating back to 2021. He now faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, trespassing after a warning, and resisting arrest without violence.
