Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have taken 61-year-old Anthony Laverne Roberts into custody following accusations of wielding a switchblade during a dispute with his girlfriend.
An officer from the Gainesville Police Department was dispatched to the 1900 block of NE 2nd Street at approximately 7:08 a.m. on July 3. The victim recounted that while engaged in a heated argument, Roberts brandished a switchblade, instilling fear for her safety. She attempted to leave the scene, but Roberts reportedly struck her with a pizza box. When she tried to walk away once more, he allegedly punched her in the face.
The responding officer noted the presence of blood on the victim’s face, which corroborated her account of the incident.
Although Roberts wasn’t present when law enforcement first arrived, he eventually returned to the area and was subsequently arrested. According to reports, after being read his Miranda rights, Roberts admitted to the argument but insisted that he did not physically assault the victim.
Roberts has been charged with domestic aggravated assault and domestic felony battery with previous battery convictions. He has 10 felony convictions (one violent) and eight misdemeanor convictions (two violent); he has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2020. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $50,000.
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.