Man with gun chases off man who tried to enter his home with a knife

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Richard Lee Sweat, 59, was arrested early this morning after allegedly trying to enter a home holding an open pocket knife. He left because the resident was able to grab a firearm and point it at him.

A Gainesville Police Department officer responded to a residence where Sweat allegedly walked up to the door and tried to turn the door handle while yelling and banging on the door. He then allegedly took out a Gerber pocket knife, opened it, and said, “Don’t make me start on you with this Gerber.”

When the victim opened the door, Sweat allegedly took a step across the threshold with the knife raised and only retreated because the victim was able to grab a firearm from inside the home and point it at Sweat in self-defense.

The victim has a doorbell camera, and the officer reported being able to clearly see Sweat opening the knife and taking a step into the home.

Post Miranda, Sweat reportedly admitted entering the apartment while armed with the knife. He reportedly said that the victim had a guest in the apartment who he has problems with and that he held out the knife as a “warning” to “show her.” The officer reported that this person was not at the scene.

Sweat has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, armed burglary, and burglary with battery. He has 11 felony convictions and has served four state prison terms, with the most recent release in October of 2021. He has a pending felony charge for grand theft. He is being held on $150,000 bail.

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.