Ocala Cop Shot And Killed During Training by Another Cop

Authorities said Ocala police Officer Jared Forsyth died after he was accidentally shot during firearms training on Monday afternoon.

Forsyth was accidentally shot around 3 p.m. at the Lowell Correctional Institution, officials said.

“Words can’t express the sorrow I feel for losing an officer under my watch,” Police Chief Greg Graham said.

Graham said Forsyth was participating in routine firearms training and was struck when a bullet discharged from another officer’s weapon.

“One of our officers was unloading his weapon, and it accidentally discharged. The round ricocheted off a bench and struck the officer,” Graham said.

Forsyth was wearing a bulletproof vest, but the bullet went through his arm and entered his side, which wasn’t covered.

Police officials said Forsyth was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

“We’re family. It’s like losing a family member, like a brother passed away,” Graham said.

Forsyth started with the department in April 2012. Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn said the entire community is mourning the loss of an exemplary officer.

“He was a special special man. I’m just very sorry about his death. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Guinn said.

Channel 9 was there as the Ocala Police Department lowered its flags to half-staff Monday evening.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.