A 17-year-old teenager has been arrested for reportedly shooting a man who confronted him on a front porch in Silver Springs Shores, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and WCJB.
Deputies identified the suspect as Jeremy Pitts, who allegedly told detectives that he went to the victim’s home to collect discarded medicinal marijuana roaches. The situation escalated when the homeowner observed the teen on his screened-in porch and challenged him.
Confrontation Turns Violent
Investigators reported that Pitts confessed to drawing a weapon following the homeowner’s accost. He told authorities that his intention was to intimidate the victim, but as he fled, the firearm accidentally fired, causing injuries to him.
The man was sent to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to recover from his injuries, according to officials.
“The suspect claimed the shooting was accidental,” authorities stated. “However, based on the evidence and witness accounts, he has been charged accordingly.”
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Jeremy Pitts was arrested and put into Marion County Juvenile Detention on accusations of aggravated violence with a deadly weapon and a minor’s possession of a handgun.
Deputies noticed that the adolescent appeared sorry but insisted that the act was not planned.
Authorities also stated that Pitts and the victim were not previously known, and the motive appears to be purely related to the suspected theft attempt.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Neighbors in the Silver Springs Shores region were shocked by the unusual nature of the murder, which highlighted the growing issue of teen violence and handgun access.
“You don’t expect something like this over something so small,” one neighbor told local reporters. “It’s just sad that a young man’s life can change so fast over a bad decision.”
The investigation is ongoing, with investigators evaluating evidence from the site and ballistics to identify the sequence of events that led up to the shooting.
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