By Staff Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities arrested 59-year-old Troy Elwon Butler on allegations that his dog bit a man, leading to a physical altercation where Butler reportedly assaulted the man and took $40 from him.

Around 10:40 a.m., an officer from the Gainesville Police Department arrived at a residence near NW 13th Street and NW 53rd Avenue. The homeowner claimed he was outside smoking when Butler, riding a scooter, confronted him. According to the victim, Butler punched him in the mouth, causing him to fall, then rifled through his pockets and took two $20 bills before leaving the scene on his scooter, accompanied by his dog.

A witness recounted that as Butler rode by with his small dog, the animal ran towards the victim and bit him. In retaliation, the victim kicked the dog, prompting Butler to charge and strike the victim in the face, knocking him down. The witness saw Butler reach into the victim’s pocket, though they couldn’t confirm what was taken. After Butler initially left, the victim began shouting, causing Butler to return and confront him again until the witness intervened to separate them.

Following his arrest, Butler provided a series of disjointed statements. According to the officer, Butler claimed the victim was a customer and he had come to collect payment. An argument ensued, during which the victim allegedly invaded Butler’s personal space. Butler asserted he felt threatened and punched the victim to protect himself, fearing an imminent strike. He described the encounter as a mutual altercation, alleging that the victim initially handed him $80 but later requested $40 back, which Butler claimed to have returned.

While being transported in a patrol car, Butler reportedly instructed a neighbor to enter his home, retrieve his keys and $40 from the couch, and secure the house.

On the way to the jail, Butler reportedly told the officer that the witness saw everything that occurred and would know what happened. He also said his dog ran up to the victim after the fight and the victim kicked his dog, so he went back to argue with the victim.

Butler has been charged with battery and unarmed robbery. He has 13 felony convictions (one violent) and 23 misdemeanor convictions (one violent) and has served seven state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2017. He was arrested in June 2024 for pouring gasoline on a woman and trying to set her on fire, but the charges were later dropped. Judge Jonathan Ramsey 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.