Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Terry Jones, 70, was arrested yesterday after allegedly following a woman and threatening her with a “machete” at the Rosa Parks Transfer Station.

At about 6:25 p.m. on January 9, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to the Rosa Parks Transfer Station (700 SE 3rd Street), where the victim said Jones walked toward her with a “machete” in his hand, putting her in fear for her life. She said she retreated and Jones got in his vehicle and left. A witness standing nearby reportedly corroborated the victim’s story.

The victim said she and Jones are friends but have never had an intimate relationship. She gave the officer Jones’ address, but he was not home.

The victim told the officer that Jones has been stalking her, not only calling and texting her but following her in his vehicle and waiting for her at places where he knows she might be.

The officer called Jones, who agreed to meet with the officer at his home. When Jones arrived, he was taken into custody.

Post Miranda, Jones reportedly said the victim is his girlfriend and that he has been helping her out. He said he was upset with her because she lied to him. He reportedly admitted approaching her at the Rosa Parks Transfer Station but denied having a “machete”; he said it was a dull wooden stick that he had dropped at the bus station. He said he had served 47 years in prison and had never gotten into any trouble since getting out.

Jones has been charged with aggravated stalking and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has one felony conviction for sexual battery out of Miami-Dade County; he was sentenced to 60 years in prison in 1972 and released in 2018. He is a registered sex offender and is on probation. Judge Kristine Van Vorst ordered him held on $450,000 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.