Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Chester Lee James, aged 52, was taken into custody yesterday morning after a stand-off with Gainesville Police Department officers, following an incident where he allegedly stabbed his girlfriend.
Police were called to an apartment complex in Southern Pines, located on the 4000 block of SW 17th Place, around 10:47 p.m. on Monday. The victim shared that while sitting beneath a canopy tent just outside her front door, her long-term boyfriend, James, approached her angrily. She stood up and immediately experienced a sharp pain in her abdomen, discovering she was bleeding when she clutched her stomach. She quickly ran toward a group of friends as James retreated into the apartment.
One of the officers noted that the victim sustained a significant and deep cut across her abdomen from what appeared to be a knife slash. Although she was reported to be in stable condition, medical assessments of the injury were still ongoing at the time of reporting.
When officers arrived, James was believed to be inside the apartment, armed with a rifle and a handgun. Officers obtained a warrant, and James was arrested early Tuesday morning after a multi-hour stand-off.
James has been charged with aggravated domestic battery with a deadly weapon. He has 14 felony convictions (one violent) and 20 misdemeanor convictions (five violent); he has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2022. Judge Kristine Van Vorst set bail at $250,000.
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.
