Second Gainesville man charged in January 3 Phoenix shooting

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Patruan Michael Landtik Hare Jr., 21, was arrested yesterday for shooting a firearm at Phoenix Apartments on January 3; Mykell Torrence Hicks, who was arrested on January 3 for shooting 17 rounds in a public area, is still facing charges from the same incident as of the writing of this article, but Hare’s arrest report states that Hicks had “a well-rounded fear… that an act of violence was about to take place” when Hare allegedly aimed an AR-15-style firearm at him.

At about 4:20 p.m. on January 3, Hare reportedly drove a friend’s white Hyundai Sonata to Phoenix Apartments (3200 SW 26th Way) with the intent of harming someone. Hicks reportedly came out of his apartment and saw Hare aiming an AR-15-style firearm in his direction; in fear for his life, Hicks reportedly took cover behind a nearby vehicle, and Hare “recklessly” fired multiple shots toward a crowd of people standing on the corner of SW 31st Place and SW 26th Way. Hare reportedly fled on foot after the shooting, leaving the Sonata in the middle of the road.

A witness reportedly told a responding Gainesville Police Department officer that Hare left the firearm between Phoenix Apartments, Gainesville Place Apartments, and The Enclave Apartments.

The report states that Hare’s actions “created a well-rounded fear in [Hicks] that an act of violence was about to take place.”

Post Miranda, Hare reportedly said he borrowed a friend’s car and drove to Phoenix Apartments to pick up a friend. While he was waiting for his friend, he heard gunshots and ran from the scene. He said he does not own a firearm or ammunition.

Officers reportedly found 9mm magazines and ammunition in the Sonata, and two firearms (not described in the report) were recovered from the scene of the shooting.

The officer reported that Hare is a “known, documented gang member” and is part of the “43rd Street Gang.” Officers reportedly found a social media post that showed Hare with a 9mm AR-15-style rifle.

As of the writing of this article, Hicks is still facing charges for firing a weapon in public and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

Hare has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in a public area. He has no criminal convictions, but he is on pre-trial release following a June 2025 arrest for domestic assault and an August 2025 arrest for domestic battery; he has also been charged with trespassing in an occupied structure or conveyance via sworn complaint.

Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him held without bail on the aggravated assault charge, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing. Judge Rawls set bail at $100,000 for discharging a firearm in public.

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.