By Staff Reporter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a recent development, 18-year-old Devon Z. Oliver found himself in legal trouble following his arrest on charges related to firearms possession and evading law enforcement. The charges against Oliver include possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent, having a firearm with an altered serial number, and resisting an officer without violence.
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of October 22, when an officer from the Gainesville Police Department initiated a traffic stop involving a scooter at Arbor Park Apartments located at 309 SW 16th Avenue. The stop was due to an unspecified traffic violation. Rather than comply, Oliver reportedly made eye contact with the officer before fleeing westward through the complex. Despite being ordered to halt, Oliver allegedly turned back and ran eastward, clutching at the right side of his clothing. This behavior raised suspicion, as it often indicates someone is carrying a weapon.
Oliver was eventually found by the officer sitting on the second floor of a stairwell within the apartment complex. Along the path of his escape, police reportedly discovered shoes matching those he was wearing during the incident and a 9mm Palmetto State firearm concealed in nearby shrubs. The firearm was notable for its extended magazine, was loaded with 22 rounds, and had purple and white rubber bands around it. Crucially, the bottom section of the frame, where a serial number would usually be located, was missing.
In a post-Miranda discussion, Oliver allegedly confessed to purchasing the firearm from an unidentified white man for $1,500 several months prior. He admitted to discarding the weapon while fleeing, fearing that police might shoot him. Oliver claimed he had not removed the serial number but had merely added the rubber bands.
Oliver, who is currently enrolled in an alternative high school, faces serious charges given his juvenile conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm. Judge Adam Lee has set his bail at $105,000, reflecting the gravity of his current and past offenses.
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.
