Man arrested for trying to start fight with Walmart manager, threatening GPD officer

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Duane Chrysmond Tolley, 50, of Ft. White, was arrested late last night at the Butler Plaza Walmart after allegedly trying to start a physical fight with a store manager and then verbally threatening the Gainesville Police Department officer who was taking him to jail.

According to the arrest report, Tolley allegedly tried to physically attack the store manager, who defended himself by tackling Tolley to the ground and holding him there until law enforcement arrived. A witness recorded the whole incident on his phone, and other employees and customers at the store reportedly confirmed the store manager’s account. One customer reportedly told the officer that Tolley had been “swinging” at the store manager and screaming at him.

The officer reported that on the way to the jail, Tolley made multiple verbal threats that referenced burning down the officer’s house, raping the officer, and harming him while he slept.

Tolley has been charged with disorderly conduct and threatening a public servant. He is being held on $35,000 bond.

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.