Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Aubrey Chase Mathis, 31, who was released from prison on July 8, allegedly attacked an elderly man outside HCA Florida North Florida Hospital on Thursday.

At about 10 a.m. on July 11, Mathis allegedly punched the victim in the head multiple times, causing the victim to fall to the ground; the victim, who is 74 years old and uses a walker, reportedly suffered a laceration to the back of his head. The attack happened outside the west entrance of the hospital (6500 W. Newberry Road).

A Gainesville Police Department officer reportedly saw Mathis running from the scene and saw him cross Newberry Road. The officer ordered Mathis to get on the ground, but Mathis allegedly refused all commands until another officer arrived.

Mathis has been charged with battery on a person 65 years of age or older and resisting an officer without violence. He has 14 felony convictions (three violent) and seven misdemeanor convictions (none violent); he has served four state prison terms and was last released three days before the incident. He is described as homeless on the arrest report. Judge Kristine Van Vorst 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.