Ocala Man Arrested in Alabama for Vehicle and Firearm Theft
OCALA, Fla. – A man from Marion County was apprehended after allegedly stealing a vehicle and driving it across state lines. Authorities identified the suspect as Jayme Motley-Simmons, who was arrested after being stopped by police in Alabama.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Motley-Simmons reportedly stole the vehicle from a residential property located on Southwest 80th Street in Ocala, Florida. The theft occurred earlier in the week and prompted law enforcement agencies to issue an alert for the stolen vehicle.
On January 2, Alabama police officers pulled Motley-Simmons over after identifying the vehicle as stolen during a routine check. During the traffic stop, officers discovered that he was not only in possession of the stolen vehicle but also had a firearm that had been reported stolen.
Motley-Simmons was taken into custody in Alabama and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and a stolen firearm. The details of how the firearm was acquired remain under investigation. Authorities have not disclosed additional information about the vehicle’s owner or whether other individuals were involved in the theft.
After being detained, Motley-Simmons posted bond and was released on the afternoon of January 3. The specifics of the bond amount and the terms of his release have not been made public.
Law enforcement officials in both Florida and Alabama continue to investigate the incident, which spans across state lines. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has urged residents to take extra precautions to secure their homes and vehicles to prevent similar thefts.
This case highlights the ongoing collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies in addressing stolen property cases. Further updates on the case, including potential court proceedings or additional charges, are expected as the investigation progresses.
Residents with any information related to the case are encouraged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office or local authorities.