Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Xavier Stephon Keith, 22, was arrested yesterday after Walmart employees dispersed a large crowd of people who were trying to steal merchandise, then a man who had argued with an employee left the store and came back with Keith, who allegedly punched the employee.

According to the arrest report, there was a large crowd of individuals who attempted to steal merchandise from Walmart (5700 NW 23rd Street), and the victim and several other employees attempted to disperse the crowd. An unknown man who was part of the crowd got into a verbal argument with the victim, then left the store and returned a short time later with Keith.

Keith and the unidentified man confronted the victim at the entrance of the store, and Keith allegedly punched the victim as he walked away, then fled on foot from the store. A Gainesville Police Department officer found Keith a short time later, but he allegedly fled on foot from officers and was detained a short time later.

The victim reportedly identified Keith as the man who punched him, and the officer reported that the incident was captured on surveillance video.

Keith has been charged with simple battery and resisting an officer without violence. He has no local criminal history. Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard set bail at $30,000.

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.