Ocala Police Nab Motel Shooter After Failed Escape Attempt, Fake Name Fiasco
It was far from a “leave the light on” kind of night at the Motel 6 on NW Blitchton Rd. when things took a dangerous turn on Oct. 19. Authorities say 36-year-old Donald Roberts Jr. gave chase to his girlfriend on the second floor of the motel, allegedly firing a shot that struck her in the back as she tried to escape.
Responding officers found the victim, who was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, Roberts didn’t make it far. Officer Perez spotted the suspect trying to play it cool near the I-75 overpass, but Roberts’ smooth criminal routine quickly unraveled when he provided a fake name—an alias that didn’t fool anyone for long. A quick search of the area uncovered a revolver stashed in the overpass.
The investigation led to Roberts’ arrest on a laundry list of charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, tampering with evidence, and firing a weapon in public—plus a little extra for trying to pull off the ol’ false-name trick. Oh, and did we mention he already had multiple felony warrants? Just another busy night in Ocala.
