Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 36-year-old man named Demetrius Jarrod Sweeting was taken into custody yesterday morning following accusations that he pursued a co-worker to their residence, aimed a firearm at the individual, and subsequently shattered the rear window of the co-worker’s vehicle using the gun.
According to a report from a Deputy of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Sweeting and the alleged victim have been colleagues for several years. On July 24, Sweeting reportedly initiated a verbal conflict with the victim. At the conclusion of their work shift, the victim claimed that upon reaching his car, he noticed Sweeting positioned inside a vehicle parked adjacent to his. Sweeting allegedly exited his vehicle, reached towards his pocket, and stated he had something for the victim. The victim feared Sweeting might be pulling out a weapon, prompting him to dismissively respond with “Whatever,” before entering his own car and driving away.
The victim recounted that Sweeting tailed him all the way to his home in Sweeting’s car. During the drive, the victim contacted his roommate, requesting that she unlock the door for him. Upon reaching his residence at Palms of Archer, the victim parked along the street, and Sweeting allegedly parked nearby as well. As the victim was heading to his front door, he reported seeing Sweeting aiming a black handgun at him and feared for a possible shooting.
The victim said he made it inside and then looked out the window and saw Sweeting walk to his car and break the rear window by hitting it with the gun. The victim’s roommate also reportedly told the deputy she saw Sweeting break the window of the victim’s car and saw Sweeting pointing a gun at the victim.
Sweeting was arrested at his home about an hour and a half later.
Post Miranda, Sweeting reportedly admitted to going to the victim’s home and breaking the victim’s car window after losing his temper; he denied ever having a gun. The deputy noted that Sweeting had cuts on his right thumb and middle finger, which Sweeting reportedly said were caused by breaking the window. The deputy estimated the damage to the car at $2,000.
Sweeting has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and property damage over $1,000. He has four convictions for traffic misdemeanors. Judge Kristine Van Vorst 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.
