On Thursday, May 8, 2025, at approximately 12:49 p.m., the Ocala Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at the TD Bank located at 2437 SE 17th Street.
According to police, 37-year-old Randall Williford entered the bank brandishing a firearm and demanded money, successfully fleeing with over $6,900 in cash. Williford then escaped in a black pickup truck driven by 34-year-old Amanda Bishop, with 36-year-old Andre Baker as a passenger.
Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle, initiating a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds of up to 90 mph. The chase ended at 12:59 p.m. when the truck rolled into a retention pond near SE Maricamp Road, adjacent to the Southern Pig and Cattle restaurant.
Williford exited the crashed vehicle armed with a gun and fled on foot. During his attempt to escape, Williford tripped. As he stood up, he reportedly faced the pursuing officers while still holding his weapon. Despite repeated verbal commands to drop the firearm, Williford did not comply, leading officers to engage him with gunfire. He sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the wrist.
Officers at the scene immediately provided medical attention to Williford, applying a tourniquet to control the bleeding. He was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is currently investigating the officer-involved shooting, which is standard protocol in such incidents.
Randall Lee Williford has been arrested and faces charges of robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and tampering with evidence.
Amanda Jean Bishop was arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm and fleeing and eluding police with disregard for the safety of people or property.
Andre Javon Baker was arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm.
The Ocala Police Department commended the swift actions of their officers in managing this dangerous situation, emphasizing that their efforts ensured the safety of the community and expressing gratitude that no innocent individuals were harmed.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.