Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Marc Charles Cole, 52, hailing from Trenton, found himself behind bars after being accused of wielding a knife and threatening to harm a family member in a parking lot in Gainesville. This alarming incident occurred on July 11.
According to reports from the Gainesville Police Department, the confrontation unfolded on July 11 when both the victim and a witness, related to Cole, headed to the Publix parking area located at 4115 NW 16th Boulevard. They intended to assist Cole with truck repairs. However, around 2:20 p.m., things took a violent turn. Cole allegedly struck the victim in the face before fleeing the scene on foot, eluding the officer who arrived later. The altercation left the victim with a noticeably swollen eye.
Later that afternoon, at approximately 4:32 p.m., while the victim and witness waited patiently for a tow truck, Cole made an unexpected return. The victim was seated in the witness’s vehicle, which had its door open, when Cole confronted him. This confrontation revolved around the victim’s earlier call to the police. Cole reportedly brandished a pocket knife, opened it, and aimed it towards the victim’s face, threatening severe harm with menacing words. In fear of his life, the victim dialed 911. However, Cole managed to get his truck running and fled the scene before law enforcement could intervene.
Cole’s run from the law came to an end on July 27. He was apprehended near the juncture of NW 13th Street and NW 53rd Avenue and faces serious charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This isn’t Cole’s first brush with the law; he has the designation of a Career Offender. His criminal history includes 10 non-violent felony convictions and two violent misdemeanors. Having served in state prison twice, he most recently completed a sentence in March 2025. Judge Meshon Rawls has set his 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.