Compiled by Staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities took 29-year-old Marquis Johnathan Tippins into custody following allegations of assault. A woman claimed Tippins attacked her with a firearm, and during his arrest, officials reportedly discovered a significant stash of marijuana and a revolver with its serial number obliterated.

On the evening of December 23, around 7:09 p.m., deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Bellamy Grand Apartments, located at 2625 SW 75th Street. The victim recounted a verbal altercation with Tippins that escalated earlier that day inside a vehicle. During the confrontation, Tippins allegedly grabbed her by the neck but ceased when she rolled up the car window. The victim also wanted to report a previous incident where Tippins allegedly pointed a gun at her and struck her with it. The deputy observed swelling on her head and injuries on her hands, suggesting she had used them to fend off the blows.

While investigating, a deputy located Tippins near the apartment complex’s back gate. Upon searching him, they reportedly uncovered a loaded revolver without a serial number and a substantial quantity of marijuana packaged for sale.

After being read his Miranda rights, Tippins allegedly acknowledged possessing the firearm but claimed both the gun and marijuana belonged to an unnamed friend. He conceded that an argument with the victim occurred, asserting he also sustained injuries. However, when asked to provide evidence of his injuries and text exchanges supporting his claim of a mere verbal dispute, Tippins reportedly declined to comply.

Tippins has been charged with committing a first-degree felony with aggravated domestic battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, altering the serial number of a firearm, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His full criminal history is unavailable, but he has at least one felony burglary conviction and at least one battery conviction out of Georgia.

Judge Julie Johnson 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.