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Compiled by Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities arrested 40-year-old Lawrence Bradley III yesterday, following accusations that he threatened to shoot another individual near St. Francis House.
According to a report by an officer from the Gainesville Police Department, the alleged victim recounted that he had been seated with two companions when Bradley appeared and began shouting about a disagreement from the previous day. The victim described Bradley’s approach as aggressive, claiming Bradley threatened to shoot him while making motions towards his pockets as if reaching for a weapon. Fearing for his safety, the victim fled to St. Francis House, located at 413 S. Main Street, to seek help in contacting the police.
A bystander, who was at the park behind the shelter, heard the commotion and went to investigate. She reported witnessing the heated exchange and hearing Bradley issue the threat. She also noted seeing Bradley lift his white sweater, revealing what appeared to be the handle of a gun. Concerned, she alerted a staff member inside, who called 911. During the call, Bradley allegedly returned and, upon hearing his description being relayed as someone in a white sweater, removed the garment and placed it on a nearby wheelchair.
Another observer mentioned seeing Bradley grab his waistband; however, she did not report seeing any firearm.
An anonymous witness reportedly said he saw Bradley grabbing his pants as if he were reaching for a gun, but he never saw a gun.
Bradley reportedly said he was walking westbound on SE 4th Place when he saw the victim approaching him, holding a fork. He said he asked the victim, “What you going to do with that fork? I ain’t scared of no fork.” He said someone opened the side door of St. Francis House, distracting the victim, and he took the opportunity to run away down the street.
Post Miranda, Bradley reportedly told several different stories about the incident; he said he couldn’t remember, but he might have told the victim he would shoot him.
Bradley, whose address is listed as GRACE Marketplace, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has 10 felony convictions (five violent) and 10 misdemeanor convictions (three violent) and has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release on February 1, 2026. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $100,000.
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.