Extortion suspect runs from Marion County deputies through Walmart produce aisle
By: -----
A man accused of extorting a woman tried to escape Marion County deputies when confronted at a Walmart store.
On Friday, a woman reported that Joshua Comer, 35, sent her text messages demanding money. When she refused, he threatened to share nude photos of her online. He then sent a sexually explicit video to two of her friends via Facebook Messenger.
While the investigation was underway, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office warned Marion County deputies to be on the lookout for Comer. They say he robbed a gas station there and was on the way to Marion County.
Deputies spotted Comer’s vehicle parked at the Walmart on North Williams Street in Dunnellon. Inside, deputies found Comer in the produce section.
Comer ran out the back of the store. He pushed a shopping cart into a patrol car and deputies chased him.
Deputies took him into custody. He was found with a stolen handgun, ammunition, and two pipes that tested positive for fentanyl.
Comer was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of extortion, stalking, and weapon possession, among other charges.