Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Antwon Kenshae Towns, 18, was arrested Monday after police said he displayed a firearm during a confrontation between two groups at the MLK Jr. Multipurpose Center.
Gainesville Police Department officers were called to the center at 1100 NE 14th Street at about 3:51 p.m. on July 7. According to the victim, her family had just arrived at the park when she saw Towns approaching with a group of males.
The victim told police she started recording the encounter on video. She said Towns then lifted his shirt, revealing a black firearm tucked into his waistband, and threatened her, making her fear for her life. She also reported that Towns walked behind the MLK Center building and returned shortly afterward without the gun.
A GPD K-9 team searched behind the building and reportedly recovered two firearms: a black Taurus G2C and a Glock 48 9mm.
The victim identified Towns to officers and said she knew him because of an ongoing dispute involving their families.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Towns reportedly denied having a firearm or threatening the victim. He told police the victim and an unidentified male approached his group while they were sitting in a vehicle and said something toward them, though he did not tell the officer what was said.
Towns, who told Court Services he attends Eastside High School, has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful concealed carry of a firearm. He has juvenile convictions between 2023 and 2026, including a felony robbery conviction. Judge Meshon Rawls set his bail at $100,000.
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.
