Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Ta’vion Latrell Smith, 20, was arrested yesterday and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and marijuana possession, in violation of the terms of his probation.

At about 6 p.m. yesterday, Smith was reportedly a passenger in a car that was pulled over for a stop sign violation. A K-9 that was deployed during the traffic stop alerted to contraband in the car, and Smith reportedly stated spontaneously that he smoked “weed” before getting in the car.

A search of the vehicle reportedly produced a small marijuana “blunt” in the center console, another blunt in the passenger door, and a loaded Springfield Hellcat firearm under Smith’s seat.

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Post Miranda, Smith reportedly denied knowing anything about the gun but later admitted the gun was his. He also reportedly said the blunt in the passenger door was his.

On April 18, 2022 (Easter Sunday), Smith was charged with possession of a concealed firearm without a permit after allegedly running from officers who were investigating a physical fight. Smith reportedly had a Taurus G2 firearm in his pocket when officers caught up with him in a downtown parking garage. Smith entered a plea of nolo contendere to the charge, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in state prison. Judge William Davis ordered that adjudication of guilt be withheld and sentenced Smith to 18 months of probation; under his probation conditions, he is not permitted to possess a firearm or use drugs.

Smith has one felony conviction and is on probation. Judge Thomas Jaworski ordered him held on no bond for violating probation and set bail at $105,000 on the new charges.

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.