Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a startling turn of events in the Hunters Glen neighborhood, 56-year-old James Michael Tennant found himself in police custody yesterday following accusations of wielding a weed trimmer as a weapon during a heated altercation.
The incident unfolded around 11:47 a.m. on May 29, when Tennant was engaged in yard work. A dispute erupted with another man, culminating in Tennant allegedly swinging the operating weed trimmer dangerously close to the man’s head. The victim, understandably alarmed, claimed he feared for his safety.
In a separate encounter, Tennant is also accused of brandishing a machete at a second individual. Fortunately, the potential victim was inside a vehicle and reported feeling secure, despite the aggressive gesture.
Eyewitnesses at the scene have supported the victim’s description of events, providing further credence to the allegations against Tennant.
After being read his Miranda rights, Tennant reportedly stated he was simply performing his duties in the area and professed a lapse in memory concerning the alleged weed trimmer incident.
Tennant has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has two felony convictions, including a 2005 conviction for aggravated assault with a firearm. Judge George Wright ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.
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.
