MARION COUNTY, Florida (February 4, 2018)- At approximately 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2018, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies were called to a residence located at 9895 SW 151st Place in the Florida Highlands in reference to a well-being check on a possibly suicidal/homicidal individual. When deputies arrived on scene, Paul Powell (DOB: 05/07/1968) made statements that made them concerned for his well-being and for the well-being of others.
Powell also made statements about being armed. In addition to this, deputies learned that Powell had an outstanding felony warrant for Domestic Battery. Powell refused to cooperate with law enforcement and would not exit his residence. The Ocala Police Department SWAT team and the MCSO Crisis Negotiations Team responded to assist and negotiators were able to establish communication with Powell.
After negotiating with Powell for many hours, Powell ceased communication and law enforcement became concerned for his well-being. SWAT operators breached a window of the home and saw Powell setting a fire within one of the bedrooms. At that point, Powell exited the residence and was detained and secured by law enforcement. The home became fully engulfed by the fire, and the fire was later extinguished by Marion County Fire Rescue.
Powell is currently being treated for injuries he received from the fire at UF Health in Gainesville.
