Gunfire erupts at Ocala homecoming bonfire: Teen suspect arrested weeks later
(October 31, 2025) Yesterday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) headquartered in Ocala, Florida, announced that their Intelligence Unit arrested 17-year-old Zachary Sarrach on multiple charges that included:
- 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.
Background: On September 28, 2025, MCSO deputies received a call for service in reference to a shooting that occurred the night prior, in the 2100 block of SE 52nd Court, Ocala, at a bonfire party to celebrate Forest High School’s homecoming. They received information that a physical altercation ensued, during which Sarrach wielded a handgun and fired multiple shots at a juvenile victim.
Fortunately, the juvenile victim was not injured. The incident was witnessed by several people who were unable to identify the suspect. However, deputies located a social media video of Sarrach with a firearm and several shots being fired at the victim. A still photo from the video was shared on MCSO’s social media pages in an attempt to identify him.
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On October 3, MCSO Detective Esquivel was contacted by Ocala Police Department (OPD) Detective Zaino, who saw the “Can You Identify” post and recognized Sarrach from a previous interaction. Contact was then made with Sarrach’s parents. They advised that they also saw the social media post and positively identified Sarrach as the person involved. Through further investigation, detectives discovered that Sarrach deactivated his social media accounts and expressed intentions to flee to Daytona, Florida.
On October 28, Sarrach was transported to the MCSO Criminal Investigations Division by his mother and taken into custody. During an interview, he admitted that he was armed with a gun while at the party, had been involved in the altercation, and threatened to shoot at a group of individuals if they attempted to attack him.
Sarrach was placed under arrest and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Opinion: Based on the serious charges filed against Sarrach, the 17-year-old faces a difficult legal road ahead that could include time in juvenile detention or prison. Authorities and community members alike are grateful that no one was injured in the incident. This case serves as a stark reminder to young people that firearms are never the answer—handling or discharging a gun in public can change lives forever in an instant.
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(Source and Zachary Sarrach arrest photo: Marion County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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