Man arrested for punching victim and then stealing his bicycle

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Willie James Griffith III, 35, was arrested yesterday for allegedly taking a bike from another man on East University Avenue after punching him.

At about 11:39 a.m. on May 13, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to the 1300 block of East University Avenue, where the bicycle was found and Griffith was seen running into the woods and was arrested.

The victim said Griffith “came at him” as he left the Wawa, trying to take a $10 bill. He said Griffith punched him in the face five or six times and then stole his bicycle and rode away.

A witness said Griffith walked out of the Wawa and went to the Aloha Liquor Store, where he started arguing with the victim. The witness said she walked toward the Wawa, but when she saw that the argument was escalating, she decided to go back to Aloha Liquor Store; however, she said, another man told her the argument did not involve her, so she walked toward Dee’s Liquor instead. She said the victim joined her, and they were partway down the bike trail from SE 1st Avenue to SE 4th Avenue when Griffith caught up to them and started arguing with the victim over his bicycle.

The witness said Griffith tried to take the victim’s bicycle, and she tried to stop him, but when Griffith started reaching for his pocket as if he had a weapon, she backed off. She said Griffith took the victim’s bicycle and rode away.

Post Miranda, Griffith reportedly said something about the victim owing him money but then stopped answering questions.

Griffith has been charged with robbery by sudden snatching. He has an unspecified criminal history in North Carolina from 2011 to 2023 but no local criminal history; a note on a court document states that he is a documented gang member. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $75,000.

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