Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Tyrese Da’Jon Jones, a 26-year-old, has admitted guilt to charges of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This development was shared by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin expressed his appreciation for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies, crediting them for removing a dangerous felon from the community and enabling a successful prosecution. He praised the Department of Justice’s initiative, Operation Take Back America, for its ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, aligning with the commitments made by former President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to rigorously pursue and prosecute violent offenders.

Initial Arrest

The case traces back to July 2, 2025, when a distressed victim called 911, reporting that Jones had held her hostage in her vehicle for three hours. Throughout this harrowing experience, Jones was either aiming his firearm, resting it on his lap, or brandishing it towards her with his finger poised on the trigger. The victim recounted that Jones was paranoid, claiming people were after them and accusing her of betrayal, threatening that if others didn’t harm her, he would. He allegedly made several threats to kill both her and himself.

According to the victim, after being coerced into driving Jones around to various spots, they eventually paused in a Firehouse Subs parking lot at 3221 SW 35th Place, where he continued his accusations. She mentioned she pleaded with him to leave so she could go to work. In response, Jones reportedly said, “I gotchu, I gotchu, my bad,” before giving her a peculiar look and smirk, then he tucked the gun back into his waistband, grabbed his backpack, and exited the car, slamming the door as he left. Following this, the victim contacted 911.

Deputies responded quickly and established a perimeter around Firehouse Subs; in a social media post, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office wrote, “During the incident, it is believed individuals inside the business – who were familiar with the suspect – warned [Jones] that law enforcement was outside.”

At about 9:51 p.m., Jones reportedly left Firehouse Subs and drew his gun when approached by deputies; in response,a deputy discharged his weapon. Jones reportedly suffered what appeared to be a minor injury and was treated at a local hospital before being transported to the Alachua County Jail.

Jones is also facing state charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment. He has four felony convictions and has served a state prison sentence.

Sentencing on the federal charge is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Gainesville, before Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.

As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.