Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 40-year-old man, Lawrence Bradley III, was taken into custody yesterday following accusations that he threatened another individual with a firearm near St. Francis House.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, the alleged victim recounted that he was sitting with two companions when Bradley approached them, shouting about a disagreement from the previous day. The victim described Bradley’s behavior as aggressive, claiming Bradley threatened to shoot him while motioning towards his pockets as if reaching for a weapon. Fearing for his safety, the victim fled to St. Francis House at 413 S. Main Street to seek assistance and reported the incident to 911.

A witness, who was present at a nearby park, recounted hearing a heated argument and moved closer to see what was unfolding. She reported observing the confrontation between Bradley and the victim and heard Bradley issuing threats to shoot, while also seeing him lift his white sweater to reveal what appeared to be the black handle of a gun. Alarmed, she informed a staff member inside, who then contacted emergency services. During the call, Bradley allegedly returned, and upon realizing the staff member was describing his clothing to the 911 operator, he reportedly removed the sweater and placed it on a wheelchair.

Another witness mentioned seeing Bradley make motions towards his pants, but did not actually see a firearm. An additional anonymous witness also claimed to have seen Bradley reaching towards his pants suggestively, yet reported not witnessing a gun at the scene.

An anonymous witness reportedly said he saw Bradley grabbing his pants as if he were reaching for a gun, but he never saw a gun.

Bradley reportedly said he was walking westbound on SE 4th Place when he saw the victim approaching him, holding a fork. He said he asked the victim, “What you going to do with that fork? I ain’t scared of no fork.” He said someone opened the side door of St. Francis House, distracting the victim, and he took the opportunity to run away down the street.

Post Miranda, Bradley reportedly told several different stories about the incident; he said he couldn’t remember, but he might have told the victim he would shoot him.

Bradley, whose address is listed as GRACE Marketplace, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has 10 felony convictions (five violent) and 10 misdemeanor convictions (three violent) and has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release on February 1, 2026. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $100,000.

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.