Gainesville man arrested for pulling gun in downtown pool hall

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Melvin Eugene Miller, Jr., 38, was arrested last night after allegedly pulling a gun in the Palomino Pool Hall and running from officers.

A Gainesville Police Department officer reported that at about 9:48 p.m. on July 27, Miller got into a verbal argument at the pool hall (19 SE 2nd Place) and then pulled out a black firearm and held it at his side. The security guard at the bar, who said he was in fear for his life, also drew his gun in self-defense. When officers arrived, Miller allegedly walked away from them.

The officer reported that he located Miller on the southeast corner of the intersection of SE 1st Avenue and SE 1st Street and ordered him at rifle-point to get on the ground; Miller allegedly ignored the commands and fled southbound on the sidewalk, where he was challenged by another officer at gunpoint. After multiple commands to get on the ground, Miller eventually complied.

Post Miranda, Miller reportedly admitted getting into “some type of disturbance” with the security guard and admitted returning to the scene and then contacting 911. He denied having a firearm.

Miller’s vehicle was found nearby, and he reportedly consented to a search; one 9mm bullet was found in the vehicle. Officers canvassed the area but did not find a firearm.

Miller has been charged with aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony and resisting an officer without violence. He has no criminal history; although the State Attorney’s Office filed notice of their intent to seek pre-trial detention without bail, Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $50,000 with a curfew between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

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.