A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred during a Forest High School homecoming bonfire last month.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, detectives arrested Zachary Sarrach on multiple firearm-related charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm by a minor, carrying a concealed firearm, public discharge of a firearm, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Deputies responded on September 28 to the 2100 block of SE 52nd Court in Ocala after reports that shots were fired the previous night at a bonfire party. Investigators learned a fight had broken out, during which Sarrach allegedly brandished a handgun and fired several rounds toward another juvenile. No one was struck by the gunfire.
Witnesses initially could not identify the shooter, but investigators later found a video on social media showing Sarrach holding a firearm and firing at the victim. The Sheriff’s Office shared a still image from the video online, asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect.
Days later, an Ocala Police Department detective recognized Sarrach from a previous case and alerted investigators. Sarrach’s parents also contacted authorities after seeing the post and confirmed their son’s identity. Detectives said Sarrach had since deactivated his social media accounts and discussed plans to flee to Daytona Beach.
On October 28, Sarrach’s mother brought him to the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, where he was interviewed by Detective Anthony Esquivel. During questioning, Sarrach admitted he was armed at the party, was involved in the altercation, and threatened to shoot if others attempted to attack him.
Sarrach was arrested and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
