Man arrested for threatening to shoot former co-worker

Staff report

Updated at 8:45 p.m. with criminal history and bail information.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jose Miguel Torres-Melendez, 27, was arrested early this morning for allegedly threatening to shoot a former co-worker at Bellamy Grand apartments in July.

At about 3:10 p.m. on July 5, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to Bellamy Grand (2625 SW 75th Street), where the victim said Torres-Melendez, a former co-worker, had told him over the phone that anyone “bringing gossip” to his girlfriend would get shot. The victim said he told Torres-Melendez that he took the comment as a threat, and the two men, who both lived in the apartment complex, reportedly agreed to meet in the parking lot.

The argument continued in the parking lot, and Torres-Melendez allegedly went to his vehicle, took out a handgun, racked the slide, and approached the victim while holding the gun near his leg. Torres-Melendez allegedly threatened to shoot the victim, and the victim said that caused him to fear for his life, so he backed away, but Torres-Melendez “chest-bumped” him and then pushed him several times before he could get away.

The victim said he called Torres-Melendez’s mother and asked her to talk to Torres-Melendez “to avoid further problems,” and Torres-Melendez allegedly called the victim a few minutes later and said he would shoot him the next time he saw him.

The deputy was unable to locate Torres-Melendez and filed a sworn complaint.

Torres-Melendez has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. He has one misdemeanor conviction; Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $60,000.

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.