Gainesville man charged with pulling gun on neighbor during dog dispute

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Marcel Hernandez Ibanez, 30, was arrested early this morning after allegedly pulling out a gun during a dispute with a neighbor over a dog.

Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about an armed disturbance last night at 7:23 p.m. at Mayfair Apartments (7600 block of SW 58th Lane). The victim reportedly said he was walking his dog when Hernandez Ibanez began arguing with him, saying his dog was a nuisance. The victim reportedly said that Hernandez Ibanez threatened to harm him and that Hernandez Ibanez reached into his pocket and pulled out a black handgun with white night sights that looked like a 9mm. The victim reportedly said Hernandez Ibanez’ finger was on the trigger, although the gun was pointed at the ground; he said he was in fear for his life, called 911, and left the area. Two other witnesses reportedly heard the dispute and confirmed the victim’s account, including hearing a click that could have been made by a gun, but they did not see the incident.

Post Miranda, Hernandez Ibanez reportedly said there was no verbal dispute and that no gun was involved; he said his gun had been in his nightstand. Hernandez Ibanez later reportedly admitted there was a small altercation and that he did have his firearm, but it stayed in his pocket and he never reached for it; later he reportedly changed his story again and said he did reach for the gun and pulled it partially out of his pocket. He reportedly added on the third interview that he had a bike lock in his other hand, and people could have mistaken the bike lock for a gun.

A search warrant for Hernandez Ibanez’ apartment was obtained, and a gun that exactly matched the description given by the victim was reportedly found in the nightstand. Hernandez Ibanez has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and is being held without bail pending first appearance.

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.