Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – La’ricca Andrea Shahid, 32, was taken into custody last night following accusations that she threatened her colleagues with a hammer and scissors after being dismissed from her position at Texas Roadhouse.

At around 8 p.m. on September 9, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived at Texas Roadhouse (3984 SW 43rd Street), where the owner reported that he had just fired Shahid after a manager witnessed her drinking while on duty. He mentioned that she reacted very angrily, claiming she had nothing to live for and seizing a hammer. A manager managed to disarm her, informing her that she needed to leave; however, outside, she allegedly told the owner she planned to return and hide in the bushes to kill him. The owner also noted that Shahid made a phone call claiming she would be going to jail and required bail.

Shortly thereafter, Shahid re-entered the establishment and went into the to-go area, where she allegedly began yelling at the owner, seized a pair of scissors, and held them threateningly as if poised to stab someone. The owner, fearing for his safety, asked someone to contact 911, prompting Shahid to leave.

While the deputy was examining the situation, the owner mentioned that Shahid had phoned the restaurant, stating she would not back down and threatened to return with a firearm to attack the location.

The deputy found Shahid in a room at America’s Best Western (710 NW 75th Street).

Under questioning after being read her Miranda rights, Shahid reportedly admitted she was angry about losing her job and had made threatening remarks but claimed she had no intention to cause harm. She allegedly acknowledged going into the to-go area, grabbing scissors with the intent to injure, but reconsidered and discarded the scissors.

Shahid faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Her criminal history includes juvenile offenses from 2004 to 2011 and four adult felony convictions (including two violent ones). She has completed two state prison terms in Hillsborough County, with her most recent release in November 2024. Judge Susan Miller-Jones has ordered her detention without bail pending a hearing on the State Attorney’s office’s motion to keep her until trial; if this motion is rejected, bail will be determined at the hearing.

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.