An Ocala man has filed a civil lawsuit against Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and one of his deputies, alleging he was left permanently disabled after being tased while experiencing a mental health crisis on St. Patrick’s Day in 2024.
The lawsuit was filed in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court of Marion County on Wednesday, Sept. 9, by Ernest Morris. The complaint names Sheriff Billy Woods in his official capacity and Deputy Zachary Elliott individually.
According to the complaint, the alleged incident occurred on March 17, 2024, when emergency services were called by Morris’s then-girlfriend regarding concerns about his mental health. At the time, the complaint suggests the girlfriend had requested a medical evaluation under the Baker Act…