Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Joshua Austin Bailey, 37, was arrested Monday night after Gainesville police officers reportedly discovered a firearm and several concealed knives during a traffic stop.
According to police, a Gainesville Police Department officer spotted a vehicle traveling about 46 mph in a 30-mph zone at approximately 8:59 p.m. on September 1. After pacing the vehicle for more than 10 blocks, the officer initiated a traffic stop in the 1300 block of South Main Street.
The officer reported that Bailey was behind the wheel and was the only person in the vehicle. The officer also noted a strong smell of fresh marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked for his driver’s license, Bailey reportedly reached into a black book bag on the seat, prompting the officer to tell him to stop reaching into the bag and step out of the vehicle.
Bailey allegedly told the officer he had a medical marijuana card and said there might be a burnt “blunt” or “roach” in the center console. The officer confirmed that the medical marijuana card was valid but reportedly determined that Bailey did not have any active open orders.
During a probable-cause search of the vehicle, officers reportedly found the following items:
Police said all of the knives were hidden from view but remained within Bailey’s reach. Bailey also reportedly acknowledged that he knew he is a felon.
Post Miranda, Bailey reportedly said the vehicle belonged to a relative, and he added that the book bag also belonged to the relative and the firearm was not his. He said the knives belonged to his son and that his son had been cleaning the vehicle before he drove it; he said his son must have put his wallet in the book bag. He said his son had not finished cleaning the vehicle because his dog urinated and defecated.
Bailey was reportedly unable to explain why there was an unsheathed knife between his seat and the center console; he reportedly said it had fallen there.
At the jail, Bailey reportedly said he had gone camping over the weekend with his son and a woman, and that was why the knives were in the vehicle.
The officer cited Bailey for unlawful speed and charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bailey has two felony convictions (two violent). Judge Lua Lepianka set bail at $15,000.
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.
