Sword-wielding man arrested for armed burglary and aggravated assault

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Josiah D-ante Lee Smith, 26, was arrested yesterday for allegedly entering a residence uninvited while armed with a sword and then threatening an occupant with the sword.

Click here for the video of Smith’s apprehension.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies reported that when they arrived at Santa Fe Trace Apartments (3410 SW 91st Street), they found Smith “still wielding the sword in an aggressive stance.” They instructed him to put it down, but he allegedly refused to comply until deputies detained him using less-lethal tactics; however, he allegedly continued to resist the deputies while he was detained.

The victim reportedly said Smith forced his way into his apartment without permission after he unlocked his door; he said Smith pointed the sword at him and demanded to see his brother, causing the victim to fear for his life. The victim said Smith forced him out of the apartment with the sword.

Smith has been charged with armed burglary, armed kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and resisting an officer without violence. He has no criminal convictions. Judge Adam Lee ordered him held without bail 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.

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.