Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – George M. Hansen II, 57, was arrested yesterday and charged with battery on a person over 65 after allegedly attacking another homeless man.

At about 4 p.m. on Monday, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to the area of SW Archer Road and SW 40th Blvd, where Hansen, who is described as homeless in court documents, allegedly attacked another homeless man following an argument.

The officer reported that Hansen and the victim, whose listed address is GRACE Marketplace, were arguing over a cigarette lighter when Hansen grabbed the victim and threw him to the ground. While the victim was still on the ground, Hansen allegedly got up and then kicked him and stomped him in the back and neck. Hansen reportedly left the area in a wheelchair, and officers reportedly found him about 200 yards away from the scene of the attack.

A witness told the officer that Hansen took the victim to the ground and kicked him in the side, back, and head and that the victim was unarmed. Another witness reportedly said that Hansen had been yelling at a group of people on the corner and then attacked the victim without provocation. The victim is 65 years old.

Post Miranda, Hansen reportedly admitted kicking the victim in the stomach, back, and head, but he said the victim had threatened him with a knife.

Hansen was charged with domestic battery in 2008 but pled to a different charge. He has one felony conviction (violent) from 2021 and two misdemeanor convictions (none violent). Judge Susan Miller-Jones 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.