Man arrested for threatening victim with a gun during fight at Sweetwater Square

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Johnell Devon Collins, Jr., 29, was arrested yesterday after allegedly pulling out a gun during a fight at Sweetwater Square Apartments.

At about 6:04 p.m. on August 23, Gainesville Police Department officers responded to Sweetwater Square Apartments (3501 NE 15th Street), where the victim reportedly said he and Collins had arrived at the complex at the same time in separate vehicles; both parties reportedly said there have been multiple issues between them in the past.

The victim told an officer that when they got out of their vehicles, Collins started yelling at him and wanted to fight him. The victim said he was not going to back down, and both men reportedly took a fighting stance. Collins allegedly took off his belt and hit the victim in the face with it, but the victim took the belt from Collins. The victim said that at that point, Collins went to his vehicle and took out a handgun, then ran toward him with the gun. The victim said he was in fear for his life and retreated from the area.

A witness reportedly told the officer that Collins started the fight and that after he took the gun from his vehicle, he racked the slide and then chased the victim.

Collins reportedly told the officer the gun was in his vehicle, and the officer reportedly found it in the glove box; the magazine and one loose round were reportedly found in the center console of the vehicle.

Post Miranda, Collins reportedly said the victim ran up to him first and wanted to fight. He reportedly admitted swinging his belt at the victim and said the victim took his belt; he said he went back to his vehicle and that his 10-year-old child was in the vehicle. He said he grabbed his gun to make the victim leave and to protect his child and said he never chased the victim. He said that the victim left as soon as he saw the gun, and then Collins got into his car and started to leave.

Collins has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. He has five misdemeanor convictions (none violent); charges in five battery or child abuse cases were dropped between 2014 and 2019. Judge Sean Brewer set bail at $25,000.

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.