Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Richard Tobias Goines, Jr., aged 34, was taken into custody yesterday, facing charges of armed robbery related to an incident in January 2025. During this event, the victim was unexpectedly punched and then assaulted by two men before being robbed.

The Gainesville Police Department’s sworn complaint states that at approximately 8:15 p.m. on January 10, the victim exited G’Ville Seafood N’ Chicken, located at 4310 SW 20th Avenue, when Goines called out to him, causing the victim to turn toward Goines. While distracted, an unidentified man struck the victim in the face, leading him to fall.

Both Goines and another individual allegedly kicked the victim in his ribs and back, then crouched down to continue attacking him with punches. The victim reported seeing a firearm in Goines’s waistband when he bent down, and noted that Goines attempted to conceal it. Goines reportedly warned the victim that he was about to use the gun on him and told his accomplice to check the victim’s pockets or face lethal consequences.

The victim said the other man took $200 and a phone from his pockets while Goines crouched over him, saying he would kill the victim if he didn’t empty his pockets, and then the two men left in a vehicle with his belongings.

The officer reported that the victim had injuries consistent with his story and did not report the incident until January 18 because he was afraid of retaliation from Goines, who he knew through a friend.

Goines has been charged with armed robbery. He has three felony convictions (two violent) and five misdemeanor convictions (one violent); he has served three state prison sentences, with his most recent release in May 2022. Judge Susan Miller-Jones 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