Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A man named Dustin Chase Baker-Gray, 30, was taken into custody early Tuesday morning after he allegedly threatened a deputy with violence, first by saying he would punch him, and later by threatening to stab him while inside a patrol car.

On September 23, around 12:39 a.m., a deputy from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Sunoco gas station located at 6800 W. Newberry Road. This was in response to reports about a suspicious individual rummaging through trash and behaving erratically.

The deputy encountered Baker-Gray, who was reportedly throwing his backpack around. During their interaction, Baker-Gray allegedly warned that he would punch the deputy if asked another question. The deputy noted that Baker-Gray appeared capable of carrying out such an action, leading him to believe the threat might be genuine.

The deputy waited for backup to arrive before detaining Baker-Gray in handcuffs.

Following his arrest and while handcuffed, Baker-Gray reportedly continued to threaten the deputy, claiming he would “beat” him. He allegedly kicked the patrol vehicle’s door, causing it to shake, and attempted to escape while restrained. To ensure his safety and that of others, deputies decided to apply leg restraints.

The deputy observed that Baker-Gray made remarks indicating awareness that he was dealing with a law enforcement officer, mentioning family connections in law enforcement and suggesting he would have the deputy’s badge. Baker-Gray claimed he was attempting to help avoid trouble for the deputies. During transport to jail, he allegedly continued to make threats, stating he would stab the deputy and declaring indifference to the deputy being a “cop.”

Baker-Gray faces charges for threatening violence against a law enforcement officer. The deputy noted, “It was apparent [Baker-Gray] was issuing threats to disrupt my investigation, as he wanted me to cease questioning him.”

Baker-Gray, whose address is listed in Wildwood, has no criminal history; Judge Sheree Lancaster set bail at $25,000 and ordered a mental health evaluation.

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.