Gainesville man arrested for pointing gun at another man

Staff report

Updated on October 30 with outcome of pre-trial detention hearing.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Diverous Karon Hayes, 43, was arrested last night for allegedly pointing a gun at another man; his unidentified companion reportedly shot at the victim, but the shot hit the ground.

At about 9:05 p.m. on October 19, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to the 900 block of SE 23rd Street and determined that Hayes and an unidentified second man had come to that neighborhood because the second man wanted to harm the victim. When Hayes arrived, he allegedly got out of the vehicle holding a small black handgun, which he pointed at the victim. The second man took the handgun from Hayes and shot at the victim, hitting the ground.

Post Miranda, Hayes reportedly admitted to taking the firearm away from the second man and said the second man shot at the ground towards the victim.

Hayes has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has 20 felony convictions (non-violent) and 10 misdemeanor convictions (non-violent); he has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release in July 2023. Senior Judge Bo Bayer ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; on October 29, Judge Denise Ferrero granted the motion and ordered him held without bail until trial.

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.