Homeless man arrested for attacking a 73-year-old man at a bus stop
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Christopher Maitland Morse, 42, was arrested yesterday and charged with battery on a person over 65 after allegedly attacking a 73-year-old man at a bus stop.
At about 2:07 p.m. on Saturday, Morse, the victim, and a female witness were waiting at the northbound bus stop at the northwest Walmart when Morse allegedly yelled obscenities at the witness and started arguing with her.
The responding Gainesville Police Department Officer reported that the argument became physical when Morse got up and moved aggressively toward the witness. The 73-year-old victim told the officer that he spoke up on behalf of the witness and told Morse to leave her alone. Morse allegedly pushed the man backward and punched him in the face, knocking his glasses off. The officer reported that the victim had a cut on his face.
The witness told the officer that she saw Morse punch the victim and knock his glasses off. She said she called 911 and that Morse fled toward NW 34th Blvd. The victim and witness provided a description of Morse, and an officer found him a short time later at another bus stop across the street.
Post Miranda, Morse reportedly denied hitting anyone or causing any injuries.
Morse, whose address is listed as St. Francis House, has been arrested three times in Alachua County in 2024. In April, he was fined $376 after entering a plea of nolo contendere to charges of loitering/prowling and drug possession; he has not paid anything toward his payment plan, and the first payment was officially past due on June 6. He is also facing a sworn complaint for possession of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Morse has an out-of-state criminal history dating from 2000 to 2019.
Judge William Davis 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.Â
Sorry POS wants to hurt someone twice his age. Its a dam shame this person was not kin to one of the idiots who wants them here spending thousands of dollars on them and this is how they show their appreciation time to clean up Gainesville
Another Gainesville Ambassador honing his skill for the incoming tourists and new UF students.
Thanks again City commissioners for funding and prioritizing this homeless mess for the rest of us to deal with. Sanctuary city my a$$!
The Republicans at the state level passed a law banning “Sanctuary” cities nd counties in FL. Ex Mayor Lauren Poe retaliated by having GNV designated as a “Welcoming” city. Thus, the Democrat politicians welcome the dredges of society, using YOUR MONEY.
Is he homeless because of locally imposed fees, GRU rates & taxes, or is he another homeless person who was invited here by Poe and Ward?
If the latter, can they be charged as accessories?
He is a recent transient to Gainesville from Chicago. Things are pretty bad in Gainesville when the Chicago nutcases relocate to Gainesville. Put him on a bus with a one way ticket to Chicago. And vote these sorry idiots in the city and county commissions out of office for protecting criminals instead of tax paying citizens. Poe and Ward should be forced to house these people in their own homes on their own dimes. Their virtual signaling is offensive to every tax paying citizen.
Well if you think you can do a better job go for it so you can stop calling the current office holders names, that is for Trump to do.
You’re just like the local office holders and their voting constituents – a gullible idiot.
Their is no doubt in my mind i could do better the problem is most of the people who vote in the city of Gainesville has the same left wing ideology and keeps voting these idiots in to office this is what they want.
Remember, Poe and crew were voted into office by fewer than 10% of the voters.
But don’t forget, it was a majority of those who did vote.
Therein lies part of the problem.
Bill, You shouldn’t pick on Katie, a woman. But you can pick on me, I am a retired soldier and can take care of myself. If you really want to show, how you are a superior Leftist. Write a letter to the editor comparing Trump to biden on each issue. Start out with how biden became so wealthy on a Senators pay. Have a Nice Day!
Is that one of Cornell’s kinfolk? I see a slight resemblance.
Why does the Headline always say “Homeless Man”? Why not say Scumbag, Bum, Physco, Transient, Thug, or Druggie?
Note the high bail in summertime again, folks. Judge and DA think we’re stupid. They don’t want their golden geese fleeing up north. 🤡👿👹💰
Well I would think the bail was set that high due to the fact that he is a criminal that has already been in our system 3 times this year. Not to mention all the other jails he has been in since 2000. However this is Thugsville Clownsville, Criminalville so ya never know.
He likes the humidity here and amenities. Institute of gape technology would like to enroll him in a clinical test to check his stability for gapeists.
If what you say is true. How may one apply? I know a mass of people who might be candidates.
Florida House 22 Candidate owns this dilemma as much as Poedunk. We are still waiting for a statement on why he supports Poe illegal immigration group to spread more crime , Crickets so far . Is there a Boycott against Century 21 yet?
Someone needs to punch him right in his cleft palate ole big retard looking azz.
Hmm he’s marked as “absconder from probation” in Allegan County Michigan too