Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alexander Miles Silver, 37, was taken into custody last night after allegedly aiming an AR-15 at his house guests and physically assaulting them, rendering one unconscious.
Around 10 p.m. on September 1, a Gainesville Police Department officer arrived at a residence in the Midtown district, where the victims recounted that they had been drinking and socializing at Silver’s home. The situation escalated when Silver and his girlfriend started a loud argument, causing Silver to become “very upset.”
The victims explained that Silver, in a fit of rage, retreated to his room and re-emerged with an AR-15-style rifle. He allegedly aimed the rifle at them in a threatening manner, shouting aggressively. One of the victims stated he managed to deflect the rifle’s barrel away from everyone else in the room, and both victims eventually overpowered Silver, disarming him after a struggle.
The confrontation continued physically, with Silver striking one victim in the eye and rendering him unconscious. He then punched the other victim in the face, resulting in cuts and swelling. All three were reportedly bleeding from their mouths and noses, with Silver’s right hand appearing “very swollen”; it was noted he is right-handed.
After the altercation, the victims left the residence, yet Silver pursued them and pointed the rifle once more as they fled to call the police.
Silver’s girlfriend reportedly acknowledged that the two victims were in the house with her and Silver, “having a party.”
Though Silver initially denied knowing the victims before acknowledging his Miranda rights, he claimed they approached him outside, expressing interest in ARs. He said he offered to show them his gun, during which one supposedly grabbed the barrel, but he retrieved it and was subsequently “beat up.”
Post Miranda, Silver reportedly declined to make any statements.
Silver has been charged with two counts of battery and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has one misdemeanor conviction (non-violent), and Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $25,000.
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.
