18-year-old arrested for displaying firearm at MLK Jr. Multipurpose Center

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Antwon Kenshae Towns, 18, was arrested yesterday for allegedly displaying a firearm at the MLK Jr. Multipurpose Center during a dispute between two groups.

At about 3:51 p.m. on July 7, Gainesville Police Department officers responded to the MLK Jr. Multipurpose Center (1100 NE 14th Street), where the victim said that as her family arrived at the park, she saw Towns walking toward her with a group of males.

The victim said she began recording a video of the incident, and Towns lifted his shirt to display a black firearm concealed in his waistband and then threatened her, causing her to fear for her life. She said Towns walked behind the MLK Center building and came back a short time later without the gun.

A GPD K-9 team searched the area behind the building and reportedly found two firearms, a black Taurus G2C and a Glock 48 9mm.

The victim identified Towns and said she was familiar with him due to an ongoing dispute between their families.

Post Miranda, Towns reportedly denied possessing a firearm and denied making any threats toward the victim. He said the victim and an unidentified male approached his group while they were sitting in a vehicle and said something in their direction, but he did not tell the officer what was said.

Towns, who told Court Services he is an Eastside High School student, has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful concealed carry of a firearm. He has juvenile convictions between 2023 and 2026 that include a felony conviction for robbery. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $100,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.