Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities apprehended 19-year-old Jamarian Lamar Gray on charges of marijuana distribution and possessing ammunition following a traffic stop. Law enforcement officials claim Gray is affiliated with a gang, resulting in a gang-related penalty enhancement for the ammunition charge.

Around 7:47 p.m. on April 18, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a scooter in the 6900 block of SW 6th Place. The scooter, driven by Gray, was operating without lights after dark, nearly causing a head-on collision with a minivan by entering oncoming traffic.

The deputy noted Gray’s immediate aggressive behavior, both verbally and physically, upon stopping. Additionally, there was a noticeable scent of burnt and fresh marijuana emanating from Gray.

Upon being informed of a probable cause search, Gray reportedly became increasingly agitated, attempting to walk away before being restrained in handcuffs. Despite being cuffed, he allegedly tried to flee again and resisted during the search process.

The search reportedly uncovered two bags of marijuana weighing a total of 32.5 grams in his shorts pockets, alongside six empty “apple seed” baggies and one round of 9mm ammunition. A nearly full box of zipper bags was also found in a shopping bag he was carrying.

A deputy noted that Gray is a suspect in a theft of ammunition from Bass Pro, and that investigation is ongoing.

A deputy reported that during the incident, Gray and his friends at the scene made “numerous hand gestures/signs” that included making a “W” for “westside” — a “known blood criminal street gang affiliate.” The deputy reported that Gray stated several times that he was “about that life,” and Gray and his friends were all wearing “bright red clothing mixed with black, also a known sign of ‘flagging,’ or representing gang colors.”

Post Miranda, Gray reportedly did not want to speak to the deputy, but he stated spontaneously that he knows he is an adjudicated juvenile delinquent and cannot possess guns or ammunition.

Gray has been charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of ammunition by a gang-related juvenile delinquent (a sentencing enhancement), possession of drug paraphernalia in order to transport drugs, and resisting an officer without violence.

Gray has a juvenile conviction from 2022 for burglary of an unoccupied vehicle, and Judge Denise Ferrero ordered him released on his own recognizance.

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.