Share and Follow
In the early hours of May 21, Gainesville Police Department officers were dispatched to a Wawa convenience store located at 2305 NW 13th Street in response to an alarming incident. Floyd Edward Taber, age 55, had allegedly brandished a knife during a confrontation with two individuals on the premises.
The altercation reportedly unfolded on the south side of the store’s building, where an argument between Taber and the two men escalated. According to the victims, Taber unveiled a folding knife, advancing toward them with the weapon in hand. Both individuals testified to witnessing the glint of a silver blade, which prompted immediate concerns for their personal safety.
Following Taber’s arrest, a search conducted by the police led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia: a glass pipe and a metal plunger, items typically associated with crack cocaine use. The incident underscores ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing public safety and substance abuse within the community.
The victims both reportedly said they saw a silver blade and feared for their safety.
A search incident to arrest reportedly produced a glass pipe and metal plunger, commonly used with a crack pipe.
Post Miranda, Taber reportedly admitted that he had pulled a knife toward both victims because he was frustrated and felt disrespected. He said he never exposed the blade and kept the knife closed. He reportedly admitted that the glass pipe was used for smoking “crack” and said it was his.
Taber, who is described as homeless in court documents, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has no criminal convictions, and Judge Adam Lee set bail at $25,000.
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.