A Marion County sheriff’s deputy was ambushed and stabbed multiple times Wednesday evening in Dunnellon while responding to a suspicious-person call. The deputy, identified by authorities as Robert Fitch, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene, and officials say he is expected to recover. Detectives say the attacker fled into nearby woods before being captured by other deputies.
Ambush on a routine call
According to ClickOrlando, Fitch arrived around 5 p.m. Wednesday near 11775 NW 10th Place and was attacked the moment he stepped from his patrol vehicle. The suspect reportedly knocked Fitch to the ground, climbed on top of him, and stabbed him repeatedly in the chest. In body-camera audio captured at the scene, Fitch can be heard saying, "My vest got it."
FOX 35 Orlando reports the attacker was identified as 38-year-old Heriberto Medina Marquez. Deputies said he ran into a wooded area after the assault and later emerged to be taken into custody without further incident. Investigators recovered two folding knives with suspected fresh blood and noted Marquez had a cut on his left hand. Deputies quoted in the sheriff’s release say Marquez told them, "I should have killed you."
Charges and what comes next
Marquez was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges that include attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, providing a false name to law enforcement, and resisting without violence, and is being held without bond, according to 352Today. Major Crimes detectives are processing body-camera footage and other evidence before presenting the case to prosecutors. Officials have not released additional details about a possible motive.
The attack adds to a string of serious incidents involving Marion County deputies in recent years, including a 2025 case in which a detained woman opened fire from the back of a patrol car and seriously injured a deputy, as previously reported by WFTV. County officials say the department reviews training and safety protocols whenever an officer is injured in the line of duty. Sheriff’s investigators encourage anyone with information about Wednesday’s attack to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, investigators have also asked anyone with information to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line. Sheriff’s officials said Major Crimes detectives are continuing interviews and evidence collection as the case moves forward.
