Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Terris Hunter, 76, was arrested last night after authorities allegedly found him carrying a machete and two knives at a University of Florida campus bus stop.
At approximately 10:55 p.m. on November 8, a University of Florida Police Department officer saw Hunter bent over inside the bus shelter at Ballpark Way and Hull Road. The officer stopped to check on him.
As the officer approached, he reported seeing the large black handle and part of a machete sheath beneath Hunter. The machete was later determined to be 18 inches long. The officer also reportedly found a filet knife with a 7.75-inch blade and an 8-inch serrated knife, both in sheaths.
EXPLORE MORE: The Decline of Once Popular Hollywood Star Olivier Martinez
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Hunter reportedly said he cut grass for “Mr. Green” but could not provide additional information about the alleged employer. Hunter said he contacted the person through “friends.”
A search conducted after Hunter’s arrest allegedly turned up a baggie containing pink residue and a pipe. Hunter reportedly said the pipe had been used for methamphetamine, marijuana and crack cocaine. While detained, he allegedly threatened to “knock [the officer’s] a** out.”
Hunter, who lists an Alachua address, faces three counts of possessing a weapon on a university campus, three counts of possessing a weapon as a convicted felon and two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia. According to the report, he has five felony convictions, including three for violent offenses, and eight misdemeanor convictions, including one violent offense. He has served two state prison sentences and was most recently released in 2024. Judge Lua Lepianka set bail at $124,000.
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.
