Loved Ones Outraged After Driver Plows into Ocala-Area Cemetery, Damaging Headstones; 18-Year-Old Man Arrested

Driver Arrested After Damaging Headstones at Greenwood Cemetery

An act of vandalism left a Central Florida graveyard damaged, families in disbelief, and an 18-year-old man under arrest. Headstones at Greenwood Cemetery near Ocala were damaged after a driver plowed over them and left the scene at around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Outrage and Heartbreak Among Families

Area resident Deborah Lochrie was outraged by the vandal’s actions. “This is our home cemetery. I just can’t believe what went on,” she said. “Sick to my stomach that somebody would do this, but God knows who’s done this.” Jonie Taylor said her grandmother’s headstone were among those that sustained damage. “I was heartbroken. I was pissed more than anything,” she said.

Damage and Destruction

A beat-up fence and tire tracks show how the driver made it through, hitting several tombstones. Area residents said they have generations of loved ones resting at Greenwood. “My son, my sister, and my grandmother,” said Lochrie. “A lot of my aunts and uncles, my grandparents, and my father,” said Frances Baker.

Community Rallies Together

People came to check on their family members’ tombstones Friday morning. “I’ve driven around, and all is well,” said Baker. “I’m lucky that it didn’t go any further,” said Lochrie. Police arrested the suspect Friday afternoon. They said they found pieces of his SUV in the cemetery.

Surveillance Video Leads to Arrest

With the help of surveillance video, detectives said, they tracked down the vehicle at a home about two miles from the graveyard, where they arrested the 18-year-old driver. “I got a message from my friend, and I rushed here because my friend said, ‘Someone has damaged the graveyard, and I believe your grandmother was one of the headstones that got hit,'” said Taylor.

Rebuilding and Recovery

Now Taylor is working to repair a piece of her grandmother’s memory. “We can get it put back; she’ll be pretty again. I feel sorry for the families that have to come out here and see this,” she said. “I just hope whoever did this really regrets what they did, changes their ways, and then comes out here and makes it right,” said Lochrie.

Charges Filed

Police said the suspect is charged with leaving the scene of a crash and causing property damage.

Conclusion

The incident has left the community in shock and outrage. The families affected are working to rebuild and recover from the damage. The suspect is facing charges, and the community hopes that justice will be served.

FAQs

Q: What happened at Greenwood Cemetery?
A: A driver plowed over headstones at Greenwood Cemetery near Ocala, causing damage and destruction.

Q: Who was arrested?
A: An 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash and causing property damage.

Q: How did the police track down the suspect?
A: Police used surveillance video to track down the vehicle and arrest the suspect.

Q: What is the community doing to rebuild and recover?
A: Families are working to repair and restore the damaged headstones, and the community is coming together to support those affected.