Tattoo artist David Barron died in Paddock Mall shooting

Publish date: 2024-05-04

Ocala, FL – The Ocala community mourns the loss of David Nathaniel Barron, a beloved tattoo artist from Ocala, Florida, who met a tragic end in a shooting incident at a local mall.

Hailing from Hollywood, Florida, David was a graduate of Lake Weir High School and a cherished member of the community. His untimely passing was confirmed through a heartbreaking social media post, leaving his loved ones in shock and sorrow.

The Ocala Police Department responded swiftly to a distressing situation at Paddock Mall, discovering one individual deceased at the scene, later identified as 40-year-old David Barron. Law enforcement suspects he was the intended target of the assailant. Additionally, a woman sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her leg, receiving prompt medical attention with expectations of a full recovery.

The perpetrator, still at large, managed to flee unnoticed, described as wearing a black hoodie, leggings, and a mask concealing part of their face. Authorities recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the incident, though specifics were not disclosed. Several individuals sustained injuries, including chest-related issues and a broken arm, categorized as “ancillary” injuries.

Two people were shot inside the Paddock Mall in Ocala Saturday. The shooter is still on the run.

NEW SINCE 10: Police say 40-year-old David Barron died in the shooting.

Here’s our reporting tonight @fox35orlando pic.twitter.com/YCD5m0GzNQ

— Manny Martinez (@MannyFOX35) December 24, 2023

Amid reports of an active shooter, law enforcement swiftly mobilized a significant presence to neutralize the perceived threat. However, the situation was clarified upon arrival, confirming the shooting had occurred but without an ongoing active threat. While the mall’s parking lot has reopened, the shopping center itself remains closed.

The family of David Barron will provide details regarding his obituary and funeral arrangements at a later time, allowing friends, acquaintances, and the community to pay their respects to this deeply mourned individual.

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