Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kamorion Daeshon Baker, 18, of Orlando, was arrested early Nov. 1 after police responded to a report that a man had pointed a gun at someone outside the Midtown McDonald’s.
At approximately 1 a.m., a Gainesville Police Department officer went to the McDonald’s at 1206 West University Avenue after a caller reported that a Black male had pointed a firearm at another person and fled north on NW 12th Street. The officer checked the area but did not find anyone matching the description, then returned to the restaurant.
As the officer exited his patrol vehicle, he saw Baker carrying a black backpack. The officer said he heard Baker discussing a gun and began walking toward him. Two witnesses reportedly pointed in Baker’s direction and said something similar to, “That’s them.” Baker then allegedly ran north on NW 12th Street.
The officer pursued Baker on foot and drew his firearm because the original caller had reported that the suspect was armed. After identifying himself as a police officer, he ordered Baker to stop.
Baker allegedly ran into the McDonald’s parking lot and threw the backpack to the ground. He then lay down and was taken into custody.
An unidentified woman reportedly attempted to pick up the backpack, but the officer secured it and handed it to another officer.
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The officer said other members of the department needed help managing the crowd that had gathered. After placing Baker in his patrol vehicle, the officer returned to McDonald’s and retrieved the backpack.
According to the report, a search of the backpack uncovered an iPhone, a loaded .380-caliber pistol that had been reported stolen in Alachua County, and a cloth firearm case containing additional ammunition.
Officers also reportedly found a second iPhone during a search of Baker.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Baker reportedly said he had not been wearing a backpack.
Baker faces charges of grand theft of a firearm and resisting an officer without violence. His criminal history was unavailable because those records are not posted on weekends. However, the arresting officer noted that Baker is on pretrial release in connection with a felony case in Orange County. Judge Robert Groeb set bail at $75,000.
Arrest reports are compiled from information provided by law enforcement agencies. The charges listed come from arrest reports and/or court records and represent allegations only. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
