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Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours of today, Christopher Xavier Tyson, aged 50, was taken into custody following accusations of brandishing his firearm in a manner that alarmed a neighbor, sparking fears for the neighbor’s safety.
The incident unfolded when the neighbor, while out walking his dog near his Holly Heights home, encountered Tyson. According to the neighbor’s account to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy, Tyson appeared to be speaking incoherently. During this encounter, Tyson allegedly lifted his firearm and racked the slide while maintaining eye contact with the neighbor, causing the neighbor to feel threatened. Afterward, Tyson reportedly lowered the gun and retreated into his house.
Further adding to the tension, the neighbor recounted a previous interaction a few days prior, where Tyson allegedly displayed the weapon and made a menacing comment, “I want you to see this [expletive].”
When questioned by authorities after being read his Miranda rights, Tyson claimed he had acquired the firearm just three days prior for self-defense purposes. He insisted that the neighbor was targeting him and had only involved law enforcement with the intention of gaining access to his home. Tyson denied using the gun in any threatening way.
The deputy noted that Tyson was intoxicated.
A search warrant for Tyson’s home was obtained, and deputies reportedly recovered a black semi-automatic handgun and a silver pellet gun.
Tyson has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has one felony conviction (violent) and two misdemeanor convictions (non-violent). Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $10,000 and ordered him to have no contact with the victim, possess no firearms, and consume no alcohol or illegal drugs.
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.