17-Year-Old Florida Teen Arrested After Shooting Man During Alleged Porch Theft in Silver Springs Shores
SILVER SPRINGS SHORES, Fla. — A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly shooting a man who confronted him on a front porch in Silver Springs Shores, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and WCJB.
Deputies identified the suspect as Jeremy Pitts, who reportedly told detectives that he went to the victim’s home to collect discarded medical marijuana roaches. The situation turned violent when the homeowner noticed the teen on his screened-in porch and confronted him.
Confrontation Turns Violent
Investigators said Pitts admitted to pulling a handgun after being confronted by the homeowner. He told detectives that he intended only to scare the victim, but while running away, the weapon allegedly fired accidentally, striking the man.
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is expected to recover from his injuries, officials said.
“The suspect claimed the shooting was accidental,” authorities stated. “However, based on the evidence and witness accounts, he has been charged accordingly.”
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Jeremy Pitts was arrested and booked into Marion County Juvenile Detention on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Deputies noted that the teen appeared remorseful but maintained that the incident was not premeditated.
Authorities also stated that Pitts and the victim were not previously acquainted, and the motive appears to be linked solely to the alleged theft attempt.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Neighbors in the Silver Springs Shores area expressed shock at the unusual nature of the crime, saying it underscores the growing issue of teen violence and firearm access.
“You don’t expect something like this over something so small,” one neighbor told local reporters. “It’s just sad that a young man’s life can change so fast over a bad decision.”
The investigation remains active, with detectives reviewing evidence from the scene and ballistics to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Stay up to date on breaking crime stories and safety alerts by visiting SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
