By Staff Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Friday, 21-year-old Shammari Dewayne Russell Tolbert was taken into custody following an alleged incident in October where he threatened two women with a firearm.
The confrontation unfolded at around 5:25 a.m. on October 30, at the Gardenia Gardens apartments located at 1725 NE 8th Avenue. Tolbert was reportedly at the residence of the first woman, helping care for her infant. According to the woman, Tolbert forced his way through a locked door, yelling at her. Alarmed, she fled to a neighboring apartment, seeking assistance from another woman, leaving her baby behind asleep.
Both women then attempted to retrieve the infant by knocking on the door of the first woman’s apartment. Tolbert allegedly emerged with a handgun, threatening them by pointing the weapon in their direction. In response, the second woman contacted the police. Tolbert is said to have retreated into the apartment, securing the door behind him. The women expressed their fear, stating they believed Tolbert intended to harm them.
Authorities were provided with a description of the weapon, and it was noted that Tolbert had posted an image of himself with a gun on Instagram approximately 15 hours prior to the incident.
As the official report was filed, Tolbert remained inside the apartment with the infant. He now faces additional charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, three counts of armed burglary, and two counts of child abuse without resulting in serious injury. However, these charges have yet to appear on the court’s official website.
Tolbert has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has no criminal convictions. Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that 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.
