Dinner Setup Turns Deadly: Ocala Tenant Rams Landlord’s Home With Car — Deputies Shocked

Ocala, FL (34471)- (June 28, 2025) — A seemingly innocent dinner invitation ended in chaos Wednesday night when a tenant in Ocala allegedly assaulted her landlord and rammed a car into the landlord’s home, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the tenant invited the landlord over under the guise of sharing a meal. Once inside, the tenant physically attacked her, then proceeded to crash a vehicle into the home on SE 52nd Avenue near Brick City Park.

“This was a calculated, targeted attack,” said Capt. Rene Alvarez of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. “It was not spontaneous. She intended to lure the landlord in and cause harm.”

The landlord, whose name has not been released, was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was arrested on the scene and is now facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery and criminal mischief.

Authorities say the home sustained major structural damage from the impact. Images from the scene show a vehicle lodged into the side of the house, with broken windows and scattered debris. Sheriff’s tape surrounded the property late into the night as investigators documented the scene.

Neighbors were stunned by the violent incident.

“This street’s usually quiet — we’re all shaken up,” said Linda D., a resident who lives just a few houses away. “You never think something like this will happen near your home.”

This is the second reported violent conflict between a landlord and tenant in Marion County this month, raising concerns among local housing advocates and law enforcement alike. Rising rental tensions and disputes over lease agreements may be contributing to the increase in confrontations, officials noted.

The sheriff’s office is urging landlords and tenants to seek help early if disputes arise. “Please don’t handle rental tensions alone — call us if you feel unsafe,” Alvarez added.

Resources are available for those dealing with landlord-tenant conflicts:

• Victim Support Center: 352-622-HELP

• Rent Dispute Hotline: 800-756-RENT