Man on pre-trial release arrested for pointing a rifle and threatening to kill victims at northwest park

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jeffrey Scott Wallace, 40, was arrested yesterday for allegedly pointing a rifle at two victims in a June 21 incident near Massey (Westside) Park; he was also booked on warrants for failing to appear at hearings in two other cases.

At about 6:53 a.m. on June 21, Wallace allegedly pointed a rifle at two victims near Massey (Westside) Park. The victims said Wallace told the male victim he was going to kill him and made threatening statements to the female victim as she was walking away from him. Both victims said they were in fear for their lives.

When the male victim called 911, Wallace allegedly fled on his e-bike, followed by officers with their lights and sirens activated. Wallace eventually fled on foot, leaving his e-bike and rifle behind.

Wallace was arrested on June 29 near the same park, and a search incident to arrest reportedly produced several items of drug paraphernalia.

Wallace, who is described as homeless on a court document, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing with lights and sirens activated, resisting an officer without violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was also arrested on warrants for failing to appear at court hearings on previous cases with drug and shoplifting charges.

Wallace has seven felony convictions (non-violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (non-violent); he has served one state prison sentence and was released in 2022. Judge Joy Danne set bail at $325,000.

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.