Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kantrez E’vontay Mayberry, 23, was arrested early this morning after a traffic stop and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, and resisting an officer without violence.

Mayberry’s vehicle was pulled over at about 12:18 a.m. by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy because the tag was allegedly obscured; the deputy reported that Mayberry was “confrontational and defensive.” Because a records check showed that Mayberry had previously been convicted of illegally carrying a concealed firearm, the deputy patted him down to ensure that he was not carrying a weapon and reportedly found the outline of a baggie in his front pants pocket. When the deputy asked Mayberry if he had any marijuana, Mayberry reportedly said he did, and the deputy removed the baggie.

Based on the discovery of marijuana, the deputy conducted a probable-cause search of Mayberry’s vehicle and reportedly found a loaded handgun under the front passenger seat; at that point, Mayberry was placed in handcuffs. Mayberry allegedly tensed his body and pulled away, and it reportedly required two deputies to finally place him in handcuffs.

Interviews with Mayberry and his passenger reportedly led to the discovery of text messages between Mayberry and the passenger, in which Mayberry instructed the passenger to “Take gun in the house” and “Don’t let them search u”; another text said, “Under the seat.”

Mayberry has two felony convictions and served one year and 14 days in prison after convictions on charges of carrying a concealed firearm without a license and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. He was released from prison in July 2022. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $12,500 on the new charges, and Mayberry has posted bail and has been released.

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.