By Staff Reporter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A Gainesville man, identified as 35-year-old Willie James Griffith III, was arrested on allegations of assault and theft after reportedly stealing a bicycle on East University Avenue. The incident occurred following an altercation in which Griffith is accused of punching the victim.
The incident unfolded around 11:39 a.m. on May 13 when a Gainesville Police Department officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of East University Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the stolen bicycle and apprehended Griffith as he attempted to flee into a nearby wooded area.
According to the victim, Griffith accosted him as he exited a Wawa convenience store, attempting to snatch a $10 bill from him. The altercation escalated when Griffith allegedly struck the victim in the face multiple times before taking off on the victim’s bicycle.
A witness recounted the events, stating that Griffith was seen leaving the Wawa and heading towards Aloha Liquor Store, where an argument erupted with the victim. The witness initially walked towards Wawa but chose to return to Aloha Liquor Store upon noticing the intensifying dispute. Another bystander reportedly advised her the quarrel was not her concern, prompting her to head towards Dee’s Liquor. The victim later joined her, but their path along the bike trail from SE 1st Avenue to SE 4th Avenue was interrupted when Griffith caught up with them, reigniting the argument over the bicycle.
The witness said Griffith tried to take the victim’s bicycle, and she tried to stop him, but when Griffith started reaching for his pocket as if he had a weapon, she backed off. She said Griffith took the victim’s bicycle and rode away.
Post Miranda, Griffith reportedly said something about the victim owing him money but then stopped answering questions.
Griffith has been charged with robbery by sudden snatching. He has an unspecified criminal history in North Carolina from 2011 to 2023 but no local criminal history; a note on a court document states that he is a documented gang member. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $75,000.
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