Homeless man arrested with gun is suspect in armed robbery

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kellum Patterson West, 25, was arrested yesterday and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and resisting an officer without violence after officers detained him as a suspect in a nearby armed robbery.

At about 9:55 a.m. yesterday, the Dollar General at 2112 SW 13th Street was robbed at gunpoint by a white man wearing black Nike shoes; witnesses reported that the man fled westbound from the store into a wooded area.

Two Gainesville Police Department officers who were patrolling the area to find the suspect saw West walk out of the woods; he was reportedly wearing black Nike shoes and matched other characteristics of the armed robber.

When an officer asked to see West’s hands, West allegedly turned and began to walk away from the officer; the officer reported that he was given “numerous” commands to get on the ground before he complied. As an officer was placing handcuffs on West, West reportedly said, “I have a gun on me” and “The mag is in my left pocket.” Officers reportedly found a loaded firearm in his waistband and an extended magazine loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition in his front pocket.

The officer noted that GPD is continuing to investigate the armed robbery, which may result in additional charges.

West, whose listed address is GRACE Marketplace, was arrested in February and charged with resisting an officer without violence; he entered a plea of nolo contendere to the charge in April and was sentenced to 56 days in jail, with credit for 56 days served. West was on probation at the time, and his probation officer reported in early February that he had failed to follow his mental health treatment plan. After the arrest, West’s probation was revoked a year early, and he was sentenced to 364 days in jail with credit for 341 days served.

West has two felony convictions (one violent). Judge Thomas Jaworski set bail at $225,000 with a requirement that a GPS monitor be fitted before West’s release.

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.