Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 26-year-old man, Gary A. Hill, found himself in police custody yesterday following his arrest on multiple charges, including drug dealing, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and non-violent resistance to an officer.

The arrest unfolded in the early evening of October 24, when Gainesville Police Department officers noticed Hill in an area known for its high crime and drug activity, near the 8th Avenue Food Store situated at 1634 NE 8th Avenue. Upon spotting the officers, Hill allegedly took off running despite commands to stop.

As the pursuit ensued, officers observed Hill reaching into his jacket pocket while navigating around a brick wall. The chase eventually led to his capture after he attempted to evade arrest by jumping over several fences.

Subsequent to his apprehension, a search revealed approximately 27.2 grams of marijuana in Hill’s possession, along with a digital scale, further compounding the charges against him.

Officers retraced his flight path and reportedly found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun.

Although Hill was warned that introducing contraband into the jail would result in an additional charge, detention deputies reportedly found about a gram of marijuana hidden in his underwear when he was booked into the jail.

Officers encountered Hill within 1,000 feet of the Clarence R. Kelly Center and within 1,000 feet of a convenience store.

Post Miranda, Hill reportedly said he did not understand his rights, so he was not interviewed.

Hill has been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a convenience store, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a park, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled Schedule I substance with intent to sell, smuggling contraband into a detention facility, and resisting an officer without violence. He has four felony convictions (two violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (non-violent) and is on drug offender probation until September 2027. Judge William Davis set bail at $220,000.

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.