Staff report

ARCHER, Fla. – JC Lorenzo Baker, Jr., 35, was apprehended earlier today for domestic battery, robbery, and drug charges following a K-9 pursuit in Archer. He had been released from prison on May 7 after completing a five-year sentence and is currently on probation in Marion County.

At approximately 11:55 p.m. on May 16, deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office were called to a residence in Archer. A family member reported that Baker had requested $5, which was denied since he had already received money from the individual moments earlier. The victim alleged that Baker placed him in a chokehold, temporarily obstructing his breathing, before forcefully taking his phone and $160 in cash from his wallet, then fleeing the scene on foot.

A deputy reported that the victim had injuries to his neck that were consistent with his statement.

Authorities established a perimeter and conducted an “extensive” K-9 search. Baker was reportedly located walking southbound on SW 136th Avenue. Upon being told he would be detained, Baker is alleged to have reached toward his waistband, put an item in his mouth, and subsequently discarded it into nearby woods. The item was retrieved and identified as a used glass crack pipe with suspected narcotics residue.

Baker has been charged with robbery, domestic battery by strangulation, tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His complete criminal history is unavailable, but he has served four state prison sentences for 19 felony charges out of Marion County and was last released on May 7, 2025; he is also currently on probation out of Marion County. Judge James Colaw ordered him held without bail, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial.

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.