GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kamorion Daeshon Baker, 18, of Orlando, was arrested early November 1 after police responded to a report that someone had pointed a gun at another person outside the McDonald’s in Midtown.
Around 1 a.m., a Gainesville Police Department officer went to the McDonald’s at 1206 West University Avenue after a caller reported that a Black male had displayed a gun before fleeing north on NW 12th Street. The officer searched the area but did not find anyone matching the description and returned to the restaurant.
As the officer stepped out of his patrol vehicle, he saw Baker carrying a black backpack. The officer reportedly heard Baker mention a gun and began walking toward him. Two witnesses then pointed at Baker and said something similar to, “That’s them.” Baker allegedly ran north on NW 12th Street.
The officer pursued Baker on foot and drew his firearm because the original caller had reported that the suspect was armed. He reportedly identified himself as a police officer and ordered Baker to stop.
Baker allegedly ran into the McDonald’s parking lot, threw his backpack to the ground and then lay down. Officers arrested him at the scene.
An unidentified woman reportedly tried to take the backpack, but the officer recovered it and handed it to another officer.
The officer said other police officers needed help managing the crowd that had gathered. After placing Baker in his patrol vehicle, the officer returned to McDonald’s and recovered the backpack.
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According to the report, a search of the backpack uncovered an iPhone, a loaded .380-caliber pistol reported stolen in Alachua County and a cloth gun case containing additional ammunition.
Officers also reportedly found a second iPhone during a search of Baker.
After being read his Miranda rights, Baker reportedly told officers that he had not been wearing a backpack.
Baker faces charges of grand theft of a firearm and resisting an officer without violence. His criminal history was unavailable because those records are not posted on weekends. However, the arresting officer noted that Baker is on pretrial release in connection with a felony case in Orange County. Judge Adam Lee set bail at $75,000.