GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a startling incident yesterday, 64-year-old Napoleon Filer Jr. found himself behind bars after allegedly attacking a man with a box cutter and instructing his dog to attack, resulting in severe wounds on the man’s leg and a facial slash.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy, around 4:50 p.m. on August 23, a passerby near an apartment complex in Linton Oaks (located on the 1200 block of SW 61st Street) was approached by Filer, who demanded $30, a debt from a previous marijuana transaction.
The victim recounted that he explained to Filer his recent job loss and his ongoing attempt to gather the owed funds. This failed to pacify Filer, who allegedly became irate, accusing the victim of playing games, before brandishing a box cutter in a threatening manner.
As he evaded the menacing swipes of the box cutter, the victim saw Filer’s dog dash from the apartment’s open door. Filer reportedly commanded the dog to “sic ’em,” leading to the animal charging and ultimately biting the victim’s leg. While struggling with the dog, the victim reported that Filer struck him in the face with the box cutter, leaving a small but painful cut on his cheek.
After the dog released its grip, the victim tried retrieving his glasses from the ground. Filer is said to have issued a direct threat, warning, “If you don’t leave, I’ve got something else for you.” He vanished briefly into his apartment, emerging seconds later with what appeared to be a firearm featuring a pink slide. Pointing it menacingly, he allegedly declared, “If you come back, I’m going to kill you.” The weapon reportedly resembled a 9mm or .380 pistol. In fear for his life, the victim fled on his bicycle, leaving his glasses behind on the pavement of the apartment complex.
The deputy made contact with Filer at his apartment and detained him. Post Miranda, Filer reportedly said that nothing had happened that day and he had just come outside to cook food on the grill.
The deputy canvassed the area and reportedly found the victim’s glasses in the parking lot.
Filer has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has four felony convictions (two violent) and 16 misdemeanor convictions (three violent); he has served one state prison sentence and was released in 2009. Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.