Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Keith Brian Thomas, 44, was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of aggravated assault on an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), battery on an EMT, and resisting arrest without violence.

Two EMTs were treating a patient at about 5 p.m. on Monday when Thomas reportedly pushed the patient away from the EMTs. One EMT said Thomas walked toward her, balling up his fists, and then the other EMT stepped between them. Thomas allegedly told the second EMT that he “had something for him,” pulled a 5-inch knife out of the patient’s bag, and walked toward the two EMTs. Both EMTs said they were in fear for their lives.

When a Gainesville Police Department officer arrived, Thomas reportedly said he had a gun; when the officer told Thomas to show his hands, he allegedly refused and turned away, then pulled away while the officer was trying to place him in handcuffs. Thomas was reportedly taken to the ground and handcuffed.

While Thomas was being loaded into an ambulance, he allegedly kicked a third EMT.

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A search incident to arrest reportedly produced a 5-inch knife in Thomas’ pocket.

Post Miranda, Thomas reportedly said he did not have a knife and did not threaten the EMTs.

Thomas, whose listed address is GRACE Marketplace, has seven felony convictions (five violent) and 24 misdemeanor convictions (four violent). He has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2016. He also has a pending sworn complaint for three counts of felony battery and resisting arrest without violence after allegedly punching or pushing three people on E. University Avenue on July 9.

Judge Walter Green set bail at $65,000.

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.