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By Staff Reporter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 35-year-old man named Deontre Davone Washington was taken into custody following an alleged assault on a passerby along West University Avenue.
The incident occurred around 2:05 p.m. on April 4. Officers from the Gainesville Police Department responded to the scene in the 800 block of West University Avenue after the victim reported being attacked as he was walking west. According to the victim, Washington emerged from a narrow pathway on the north side of the street and began hitting and punching him without provocation.
Authorities noted that the victim sustained injuries to his face, elbows, and knees as a result of the attack.
Following his arrest, Washington reportedly confessed to the assault during a post-Miranda interview, claiming his actions were in response to a threat from the victim, who he alleged had threatened to kill him. The officer on the scene observed that Washington appeared paranoid, frequently glancing over his shoulder and insisting that people were following him.
Washington, whose address is listed as St. Francis House, has been charged with felony battery. He has nine felony convictions (two violent) and 27 misdemeanor convictions (two violent), and he has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in February 2025. He recently served 45 days in the Alachua County Jail after entering a plea of nolo contendere to prowling at Infinity Hall in November 2025. Judge William Davis set bail at $20,000.
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