Man arrested on charges of battery on officers, trespass after warning

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

Austin Kenna Early, 25, was arrested late last night on three counts of felony battery on law enforcement officers and a misdemeanor charge of failing to leave a property upon order by owner.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies reported that while on scene at Maa & Paa Grocery Store on SW 8th Avenue for a different incident, they observed Early in the parking lot in a verbal altercation with other customers. They stopped Early and asked him about the disturbance, noting in their report that he was slurring his words and having trouble keeping his balance.

The owner of the store trespassed Early from the property because of repeated disturbances there, and a deputy explained to Early that he would be subject to arrest if he refused to leave the property or if he returned within a full calendar year. Deputies reported that Early was “given an extended prior of time” to leave but refused to leave. Deputies then moved to arrest Early, but he allegedly resisted arrest and tried to pull away. After Early was placed against a patrol car, he allegedly intentionally kicked a deputy in the leg.

Deputies called emergency services to the scene because of Early’s intoxication. As they tried to place Early on a stretcher, he allegedly kicked and spit on two deputies.

Early currently remains in the Alachua County Jail, with his first appearance scheduled for tomorrow.

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.