Joseph D. Henley, a 26-year-old resident of Gainesville, Florida, found himself in police custody following allegations that he threatened a friend who had offered him shelter. This alarming incident unfolded on a seemingly ordinary afternoon but quickly escalated into a situation that required immediate law enforcement intervention.
On May 27, around 1:32 p.m., an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived at an apartment located near the 800 block of SW 61st Street. The deputy was responding to a distress call from a woman who had initially extended her hospitality to Henley to help him avoid trouble. However, a heated argument between the two led her to ask Henley to vacate her premises.
According to the victim, Henley retreated to his room momentarily, only to reappear with a rifle and his personal items in tow. As he headed toward the exit, he allegedly made a terrifying threat, stating his intention to shoot and kill her. Fearing for her life, the woman watched as Henley, armed with the rifle, exited her apartment. In a swift move to ensure her safety, she locked the door immediately after he left.
In a crucial piece of evidence, the victim managed to snap a photograph just before Henley stepped outside. The image reportedly shows him with a hunting-style rifle slung across his back, corroborating her claims. This visual proof played a significant role in the subsequent arrest of Henley, providing the authorities with a clearer picture of the unfolding events.
The victim reportedly took a picture just before Henley stepped outside, and the deputy reported that Henley had what appeared to be a hunting-style rifle slung on his back.
Henley has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and violating probation. He has one felony conviction (violent) for a 2018 incident in which he was working as a bouncer, hit a customer with an expandable baton, and walked away without rendering aid while the victim was lying unconscious in a pool of blood; the victim was found 12 minutes later by a police officer, and the bouncers all denied knowing what had happened to him. Henley served one year in jail, followed by eight years of probation, and is designated as a violent felony offender of special concern.
Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.
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.Â