Man who ran off from mental health clinic shot by Ocala police, officials say

OCALA, Fla. - A man who ran from a mental health clinic is in critical condition after being shot by police in Ocala Sunday afternoon, authorities said. 

The Ocala Police Department said the incident began after they received a call for service around 12:21 p.m. about a 23-year-old man who ran off "acting erratic" as his family tried to admit him into The Vines Hospital.

An officer-involved shooting left a man in critical condition on Sunday afternoon in Ocala, according to police. (Credit: Ocala Police Department)

At around 12:38 p.m., officers found him near the 5500 block of SW 27th Avenue. When they made contact with him, police alleged he was "an immediate threat" and shot him, according to a news release.

Police later said the man was armed with pepper spray and a knife when officers made contact.

The man was hit by the gunfire and taken to a local hospital for treatment. No officers were injured.

The incident is currently under investigation.

Police said the man was in serious condition following surgery.

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is assisting with the investigation, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.