Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Thursday, Steve Dene Stacy, Jr., aged 39, was apprehended following accusations of attacking a man in Holly Heights by punching him and threatening him with a firearm.

The incident took place as the victim was conversing with a woman on SW 68th Terrace when Stacy approached and asked, “Do I know you?” According to the victim, Stacy hit him twice in the face, causing him to fall back. Stacy then allegedly drew a gun from his waistband and aimed it at the victim, who quickly fled to his car to escape the threat.

The victim provided a detailed description of the gun.

Deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly, arriving within two minutes. Upon their arrival, Stacy reportedly attempted to flee, and officers observed what appeared to be a gun hidden in his waistband. He was eventually detained in the 1000 block of SW 59th Terrace, although the report does not confirm if the firearm was retrieved.

Post Miranda, Stacy reportedly denied the entire incident.

Stacy is facing charges including aggravated assault with a weapon, felony battery, and resisting arrest without violence. His record includes 13 felony convictions (non-violent) and six misdemeanor ones (one violent), along with four past prison stints, with release as recent as 2022. Judge George Wright has set his bail at $200,000.

Reports on arrests are compiled from law enforcement details. The cited charges come from arrest documents or court records and are merely allegations. All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.