GAINESVILLE, Fla. – John Leo Allen, 73, was arrested yesterday after allegedly confronting a delivery driver, striking her hand and throwing rocks at her vehicle.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputy, the incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. on October 11 in the Monteocha area. The victim said she had arrived at Allen’s home to deliver a package and honked to alert him, as required by her employer. Allen then came out of the residence, walked rapidly toward her and yelled, making her fear for her safety.
The victim said Allen continued shouting as he approached the passenger-side window. She apologized and held up the package, saying, “deliveries package.” She told deputies that Allen reached into the vehicle, forcefully slapped her hand and grabbed the package.
The deputy reported seeing a swollen, red bump on the victim’s hand, an injury that was consistent with her account.
The driver said she left because she was afraid. As she drove away, she saw Allen pick up rocks and throw them at her vehicle.
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After being read his Miranda rights, Allen reportedly said he was angry because the driver had driven over a freshly seeded area of grass. He said his frustration increased when he realized she did not speak English. Allen reportedly admitted throwing a rock at the vehicle and reaching inside it, but denied striking the driver.
Allen was charged with battery. His criminal record includes one non-violent felony conviction and one non-violent misdemeanor conviction. He was arrested three times between 1991 and 1994 on battery charges, including allegations involving law enforcement officers. The first two cases were dropped, while the third was dismissed after he completed a deferred prosecution agreement. In 2013, adjudication of guilt was withheld on an animal cruelty charge.
Judge Lua Lepianka set Allen’s bail at $10,000.