Reported by Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities apprehended 35-year-old Willie James Griffith III after he was accused of assaulting a man and making off with his bicycle on East University Avenue.
The incident unfolded around 11:39 a.m. on May 13, when a Gainesville Police Department officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of East University Avenue. There, the officer discovered the bicycle while Griffith was seen fleeing into a nearby wooded area, leading to his arrest.
The victim recounted that Griffith approached him outside the Wawa store, attempting to seize a $10 bill. Following this confrontation, he claimed Griffith struck him in the face multiple times before snatching his bicycle and riding off.
According to an eyewitness, Griffith emerged from the Wawa and headed to the Aloha Liquor Store, where a dispute with the victim ensued. The witness initially moved towards Wawa but, noticing the argument intensifying, decided to return to Aloha Liquor Store. Another individual advised her that the disagreement was unrelated to her, prompting her to continue towards Dee’s Liquor. She mentioned that the victim accompanied her along the bike trail from SE 1st Avenue to SE 4th Avenue when Griffith caught up with them, reigniting the conflict over the bicycle.
The witness further stated that Griffith attempted to take the bicycle, and while she initially intervened, she backed away when he reached into his pocket, possibly for a weapon. Griffith then reportedly commandeered the victim’s bicycle and left the scene.
Post Miranda, Griffith reportedly said something about the victim owing him money but then stopped answering questions.
Griffith has been charged with robbery by sudden snatching. He has an unspecified criminal history in North Carolina from 2011 to 2023 but no local criminal history; a note on a court document states that he is a documented gang member. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $75,000.
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
