Gainesville man arrested for pulling switchblade on woman

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Anthony Laverne Roberts, 61, was arrested yesterday for allegedly pulling a switchblade on his girlfriend during an argument.

At about 7:08 a.m. on July 3, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to the 1900 block of NE 2nd Street, where the victim said she and Roberts were arguing when Roberts pulled out a switchblade, causing her to fear for her life. She said she started walking away, but Roberts hit her in the mouth with a pizza box, and when she again tried to walk away, he punched her in the face.

The officer reported that the victim had blood on her face.

Roberts was not in the area when the police arrived, but he later returned and was arrested. Post Miranda, Roberts reportedly admitted that he had argued with the victim, but he said he was never physical with her.

Roberts has been charged with domestic aggravated assault and domestic felony battery with previous battery convictions. He has 10 felony convictions (one violent) and eight misdemeanor convictions (two violent); he has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2020. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $50,000.

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.