By Staff Reporter

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 59-year-old man, Troy Elwon Butler, found himself under arrest yesterday following an altercation in which his dog allegedly bit another man, leading to a physical confrontation. The incident escalated when Butler reportedly retaliated by punching the man, followed by taking $40 from him.

The Gainesville Police Department officer was dispatched at approximately 10:40 a.m. to a residence near the intersection of NW 13th Street and NW 53rd Avenue. The victim recounted that while he was outside smoking, Butler rode past on a scooter. The situation quickly deteriorated as Butler allegedly charged at him, landing a punch to his mouth and causing him to fall. Butler is then accused of rifling through the victim’s pockets, taking two $20 bills, and leaving the scene on his scooter with his dog.

A witness provided additional context, explaining that as Butler passed the victim’s home with his small dog, the animal darted toward the victim and bit him. In response, the victim kicked the dog, prompting Butler to confront him physically. The witness described Butler knocking the victim down and reaching into his pocket, although they couldn’t confirm what was taken. After walking away, Butler returned when the victim began shouting, leading to another confrontation until the witness intervened to separate them.

Following his arrest and after being read his Miranda rights, Butler offered a series of disjointed statements. According to the officer’s interpretation, Butler claimed the victim was a customer, and he had gone to the victim’s house to collect money owed to him. An argument ensued when he arrived, with Butler asserting the victim encroached on his personal space and threatened to fight. Fearing an attack if he turned away, Butler said he preemptively punched the victim. He further claimed that although the victim initially handed over $80, he later requested $40 back, which Butler said he returned.

The officer reported that after Butler was placed in a patrol vehicle, he called out to a neighbor to go into his home, grab his keys and $40 that he had stuffed in the couch, and lock his home.

On the way to the jail, Butler reportedly told the officer that the witness saw everything that occurred and would know what happened. He also said his dog ran up to the victim after the fight and the victim kicked his dog, so he went back to argue with the victim.

Butler has been charged with battery and unarmed robbery. He has 13 felony convictions (one violent) and 23 misdemeanor convictions (one violent) and has served seven state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2017. He was arrested in June 2024 for pouring gasoline on a woman and trying to set her on fire, but the charges were later dropped. Judge Jonathan Ramsey 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.