Man on probation arrested for dragging, choking, and punching friend

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Lawrence Bradley III, 39, was arrested early this morning for allegedly dragging, choking, and hitting a friend; he also allegedly kicked and damaged a police car.

At about 2:08 a.m. on October 14, Gainesville Police Department officers responded to the area of the Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th Blvd.), where the victim said she and Bradley are friends, but he became angry for an unknown reason and dragged her on the concrete; she said he later choked her and punched her three or four times in the face. She called 911 in an attempt to get away from him and to get medical treatment for her injuries; an officer reported that the victim had injuries to her arm, chest, knee, and back, and her voice could barely be heard because she had been choked.

Officers arrived before EMS, and Bradley reportedly fled when he saw them, but he later returned to the area on a bicycle.

Bradley was reportedly uncooperative and said the victim had injured herself.

A search incident to arrest reportedly produced three glass pipes in Bradley’s backpack, and Bradley reportedly said he used them to smoke crack.

While sitting in a patrol vehicle, Bradley allegedly intentionally kicked the door, damaging the door frame and causing damage that was estimated at $500.

Bradley has been charged with felony battery as a repeat offender, property damage, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has 10 felony convictions (five violent) and eight misdemeanor convictions (three violent), and he has served four state prison sentences, with his most recent release on August 1, 2025. He is on probation for domestic battery by strangulation. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $82,000.

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.