Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 73-year-old man named Edward Jesse Shaw was taken into custody yesterday, allegedly after threatening two individuals with a box cutter during a heated argument over $75.
According to a report from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), Shaw showed up at a business located in the 4300 block of NW 13th Street around 4 p.m. on April 14. He demanded $75 from the business owner. The owner, who reportedly had previously banned Shaw from the premises, told him to leave. However, Shaw is accused of pulling out a box cutter while standing in the doorway and threatening, “Give me the money, or I’m gonna cut you.”
Another man at the scene recounted to the officer that he picked up a chair for protection and called 911, fearing for his safety.
After the owner reiterated his demand for Shaw to leave, Shaw reportedly stepped outside but then turned back, prompting the two men to quickly shut the door, barring him from re-entry.
Despite the confrontation, the business owner reportedly informed the officer that he did not fear Shaw and chose not to press charges.
Shaw reportedly left the scene but later turned himself in at GPD Headquarters.
Post Miranda, Shaw reportedly admitted going to the business to get his money. He said the owner pushed him out of the business, so he pulled a boxcutter in self-defense, but the officer reported that Shaw had previously been told to take the matter to civil court and had no reason to be at the business.
Shaw has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has one traffic conviction from 2000 but no other criminal history. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $25,000 but ordered that he could be released on his own recognizance if he is accepted to Mental Health Court.
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.
