Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Lavell Lorenzo Lawrence Strong, 29, was arrested yesterday for allegedly attacking a security guard at UF Health Shands Hospital.

At around 9:30 a.m. on September 30, a witness observed Strong wandering around the hospital, noting he matched the description of a man reported for indecent exposure at the location. Concerned, the witness contacted security. A security guard approached Strong to inquire about his presence on the premises. The guard reported to the Gainesville Police Department officer that Strong appeared visibly agitated and anxious, prompting a call for backup from two additional security guards.

The security guards informed the officer that Strong was unwilling to engage in conversation with them. When instructed to vacate the premises, Strong’s demeanor escalated, becoming increasingly agitated and aggressive.

The lead security guard described how Strong adopted an aggressive stance towards one of the other guards, suddenly charging at her and pushing her into a third guard. The first guard intervened, subduing Strong by taking him to the ground. Thankfully, the victim was unharmed as the third guard prevented her from falling. Strong sustained minor abrasions on his face and hands, was evaluated by EMS, and cleared before being taken to jail.

Strong faces charges of battery on a security guard. His record includes 11 felony convictions—with one violent offense—and nine misdemeanor convictions, also with one violent offense. He has served four state prison sentences, with the most recent release date set for May 2025. Previously arrested in May 2022 for exposure at the Main Library on the UF campus, he pleaded nolo contendere and received a three-year state prison sentence. Strong did not appear at today’s First Appearance hearing, so his bail will likely be determined tomorrow.

Articles covering arrests are based on reports from law enforcement. The charges presented are derived from arrest reports and/or court records and stand as accusations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.