OCALA, Fla. – A 17-year-old was arrested Tuesday following an investigation into a shooting that occurred at a bonfire party celebrating Forest High School’s homecoming on September 27, 2025.
On October 28, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Detective Anthony Esquivel arrested Zachary Sarrach for multiple felonies, including Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Investigation Details
The incident occurred in the 2100 block of SE 52nd Court in Ocala. MCSO deputies learned that a physical altercation broke out, during which Sarrach allegedly brandished a handgun and fired multiple shots at a juvenile victim, who was fortunately not injured.
Key evidence in the case came from a social media video of Sarrach with the firearm as shots were fired. MCSO shared a still photo from the video, leading to a break in the case on October 3. Ocala Police Department (OPD) Detective Zaino recognized Sarrach from a previous interaction.
Detectives contacted Sarrach’s parents, who also positively identified him from the social media post. Further investigation revealed that Sarrach had deactivated his accounts and reportedly expressed intentions to flee to Daytona, Florida.
On October 28, Sarrach was brought to the MCSO Criminal Investigations Division by his mother and taken into custody. During an interview, he admitted to being armed at the party, being involved in the altercation, and threatening to shoot a group if they tried to attack him.
Charges
Sarrach was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice and faces the following charges:
- 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
- Use of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony
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