Compiled by Staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a shocking incident earlier today, 38-year-old Samuel Bernard Donton was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting his 74-year-old roommate, leaving the elderly man in a critical state.

Emergency responders from the Gainesville Police Department and EMS were dispatched to Campus Walk Apartments, located at 914 SW 8th Avenue, around 5:47 a.m. on October 13. They discovered the victim in a dire condition, lying in a significant pool of blood, and swiftly transported him to the hospital.

The police investigation revealed that another resident overheard a heated argument between Donton and the victim in the hallway. Attempting to defuse the situation, he intervened, but shortly after, he discovered the victim with a severe head injury and immediately contacted emergency services.

Surveillance footage allegedly captured the intense exchange between Donton and the elderly man. As the victim attempted to walk away, Donton reportedly pursued, wrapping his arm around the victim’s neck and attempting to pull him down. The victim collapsed to his knees, at which point Donton is said to have slammed his head into the ground repeatedly.

Donton has been charged with aggravated battery on a person over 65. He has two felony convictions (one violent) and 14 misdemeanor convictions (five violent), and Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $150,000, the amount set by Judge David Kreider in the arrest warrant.

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.