Gainesville man arrested for pulling a “hyper realistic” BB gun during dispute with co-worker

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Anthony Autore, 19, was arrested yesterday for allegedly punching a co-worker and pulling out a “hyper realistic” BB gun during the fight.

At about 4:43 p.m. on January 26, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to Wendy’s (3611 SW Archer Road) and reported that Autore and a co-worker had gotten into an argument. After Autore reportedly told the victim to stop talking, the victim reportedly said he would slap Autore and asked him to step outside.

The officer reported that Autore grabbed a backpack at that point and then pulled out a “brown hyper realistic Glock pistol replica BB gun,” causing the victim to fear for his life. The victim and Autore reportedly struggled over the gun and backpack, and Autore allegedly punched the victim in the groin and kicked the victim’s legs. The victim reportedly took the backpack from Autore, and both men disengaged at that point.

Post Miranda, Autore reportedly said he had engaged in a verbal argument with the victim and became upset because he felt like the victim was belittling him. He said he grabbed his backpack and brandished the BB gun in an attempt to scare the victim, but he said he never intended to shoot the victim.

Autore has been charged with battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has no criminal history, and Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him released on his own recognizance with a GPS monitor and a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. except for work and school purposes.

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.