Lawn care worker arrested for swinging weed trimmer at victim

Staff report

Updated on June 8 with bail information.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – James Michael Tennant, 56, was arrested yesterday for allegedly swinging an operating weed trimmer at a man.

At about 11:47 a.m. on May 29, Tennant was working on a yard in the Hunters Glen neighborhood when he got into an argument with the victim and allegedly intentionally swung a weed trimmer toward the victim’s head while the trimmer was operating. The victim said he was in fear of being harmed.

Tennant also allegedly swung a machete at a second person, but that person said they were not in fear because they were inside a vehicle at the time.

Witnesses at the scene reportedly corroborated the victim’s account of the incident.

Post Miranda, Tennant reportedly said he was working in the area and “did not recall” swinging the weed trimmer at the victim.

Tennant has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has two felony convictions, including a 2005 conviction for aggravated assault with a firearm. Judge George Wright ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; however, the State Attorney withdrew the motion on June 4, and Judge Robert Groeb set bail at $50,000. On June 8, Judge Groeb ordered him released on his own recognizance.

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.