Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Nathaniel Lee Cantwell, 26, was arrested early Monday after allegedly pointing a revolver at his girlfriend, taking her phone to prevent her from calling 911 and assaulting her when she refused to disclose where she had hidden the firearm.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy, Cantwell was “extremely intoxicated” when he argued with his girlfriend at their Cricket Club II residence at about 2 a.m. on October 19. The woman told deputies that Cantwell left to purchase more alcohol. After returning, he called her and instructed her to come outside to his vehicle. Once she entered, he allegedly pointed a revolver at her head and pulled back the hammer. Cantwell then handed her the gun and showed her it was unloaded, though she said she did not know that when he aimed it at her.
The woman said she took the revolver upstairs and hid it. During another argument, she told Cantwell she intended to call 911, prompting him to take her cellphone. He allegedly said he would return the phone if she revealed the gun’s location. When she refused, Cantwell allegedly threatened to grab her by the hair and drag her across the carpet until she told him.
The woman said she ignored the threat and attempted to go to sleep. Cantwell allegedly entered the bedroom, climbed on top of her, grabbed the back of her head and pinned her to the bed while demanding that she hand over the gun. She told deputies that she kicked him off and that he went into the living room, allowing her to flee the residence and seek help.
Cantwell faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic battery and hindering communication with law enforcement. He has no prior criminal history. Judge Adam Lee set bail at $75,000 and ordered Cantwell to maintain an alternate residence.
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.
