Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Zae-quan Markeas Charles, 21, was arrested yesterday after allegedly pulling a gun during a fight with his girlfriend.

At approximately 9:32 a.m. on May 12, an officer from the Gainesville Police Department responded to a report of a physical altercation at Canopy Apartments (4000 SW 20th Avenue). An argument between Charles and his girlfriend, De’yonna La’shaye Edwards, reportedly escalated when Edwards hit Charles in the face; Edwards, 25, was subsequently arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery.

Charles allegedly attempted to walk away from Edwards, but she pursued him, continuing to grab his clothing and arms; Charles ended up with a scratch on his face.

During the incident, Charles was reportedly holding a gun, which is illegal for him due to his status as a convicted felon. Edwards allegedly stated that he never aimed the gun at her and that they were only involved in a “tussle.”

The officer reported that surveillance video from a doorbell camera showed Edwards hitting Charles as he retreated backward. The video showed that as Edwards continued to grab Charles, Charles pulled a gun from his waistband and held it in his right hand. Edwards can be seen trying to grab the gun while Charles holds it pointed at the ground.

The video showed that when Charles tried to walk away down some stairs, Edwards followed him and grabbed him from behind, and then Charles turned and tried to hit Edwards on the head with the gun; the video then showed him grabbing her hair, pulling her head down, and pointing the gun at her head. After a few moments, Charles released the victim and walked away.

A witness told the officer that she heard Charles and Edwards arguing from inside her apartment and looked outside to see them physically fighting. She said she heard a gun mentioned and went outside, where she saw Charles holding Edwards by her hair and holding a gun in his right hand.

Post Miranda, Charles reportedly said the couple had argued and he had walked away to cool down. He reportedly admitted having a gun during the argument but denied pointing it at Edwards or hitting her with it. He denied pulling her by the hair and said he only grabbed her by her arms to “bear hug” her and keep her from attacking him.

Charles has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent under 24. He has a juvenile conviction and one adult felony conviction (violent); he has served one prison sentence for burglary with assault out of Marion County and was released in June 2024. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $125,000.

Edwards has been charged with domestic battery. She has no criminal convictions and was released on her own recognizance.

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.