OCALA, Fla. — An Ocala pastor is speaking out against the increase in fatal shootings in the county.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, seven deadly shootings have occurred in the county so far this year. There were only 10 for all of last year. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Dr. Darrell Tolbert is speaking out against gun violence

  •  Tolbert says he has spoken at seven vigils in 2023 

  •  Now he's calling for action and said he will continue to speak out

Dr. Darrell Tolbert attended the vigil for Ajike Owens Wednesday night, and one for his 17-year-old cousin, Lee Graham, Thursday night.

He said despite the number of vigils he speaks at, it never gets easier.

“Last year it was nonstop. Oh, it was nonstop. It was like Ocala was popcorn inside of an oven with the killings,” he said. “Who really wants to do these? We do these because we love the people. But at the end of the day, we wish we didn’t have to do this”.

Tolbert never thought he’d go into ministry. In fact, early in his life, he was going the other way. Tolbert was dealing drugs, which eventually led him to prison.

“That was the best thing that could have ever happened. All this you see on the wall,” Tolbert said. “The best thing was I was arrested.” 

His time in prison led him down a new path.

“I’ve been pastoring for 12 years now, but I still do the street services. I never forget the streets,” he said.

He said he hopes by sharing his story, it’ll inspire others. Until gun violence stops in his Ocala community, he’ll continue speaking out.