Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – John Leo Allen, 73, was arrested yesterday after he allegedly confronted a delivery driver, struck her hand and threw rocks at her vehicle.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy, the incident occurred at approximately 6:50 p.m. on October 11, when the victim arrived at Allen’s home in the Monteocha area to deliver a package. She told deputies that she honked to announce her arrival, as required by her employer, prompting Allen to leave the residence and walk rapidly toward her while yelling. She said his behavior made her fear for her safety.
The victim said Allen continued shouting as he approached the passenger-side window. She apologized and held up the package, telling him, “deliveries package.” According to her account, Allen reached into the vehicle, forcefully slapped her hand and took the package.
The deputy reported observing a swollen, red bump on the victim’s hand, which was consistent with her description of the encounter.
The victim said she drove away because she was afraid. As she left, she saw Allen picking up rocks and throwing them at her vehicle.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Character.AI Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Legal and Operational Challenges
After being read his Miranda rights, Allen reportedly said he was angry because the delivery driver had driven over a section of freshly seeded grass. He said his frustration increased when he realized she did not speak English. Allen reportedly admitted throwing a rock at the vehicle and reaching inside it, but denied striking the victim.
Allen was charged with battery. His record includes one non-violent felony conviction and one non-violent misdemeanor conviction. He was arrested three times between 1991 and 1994 on battery charges, including allegations involving law enforcement officers. The first two cases were dropped, while the third was dismissed after he completed a deferred prosecution agreement. In 2013, adjudication of guilt was withheld on an animal cruelty charge.
Judge Lua Lepianka set Allen’s bail at $10,000.
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.
