Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Benjamin Franklin Simmons, 36, was arrested yesterday morning after allegedly stabbing another man with a screwdriver on a downtown sidewalk.

At about 10 a.m. on November 26, the victim left St. Francis House to walk southbound on S. Main Street. He said he heard Simmons screaming at people before Simmons crossed the street and stabbed him with a flat-head screwdriver for no reason. He said he was stabbed once in front of St. Francis House and stabbed again near the intersection of SE 4th Place and S. Main Street.

The responding Gainesville Police Department officer reported that the victim had two wounds that were consistent with being stabbed with a sharp object; part of the incident was captured on surveillance video.

Simmons reportedly left the area in an SUV but was later detained by patrol officers. The victim confirmed that Simmons was the person who stabbed him.

Post Miranda, Simmons reportedly declined to answer any questions.

Simmons has been charged with aggravated battery. He has six felony convictions (none violent) and eight misdemeanor convictions (none violent). Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion by the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial.

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.