Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Josiah D-ante Lee Smith, 26, was arrested yesterday after he allegedly entered a residence without permission while carrying a sword and threatened an occupant with the weapon.
Click here to watch video of Smith’s apprehension.
Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies said they found Smith at Santa Fe Trace Apartments, located at 3410 SW 91st Street, still holding the sword in what they described as an aggressive stance. Deputies ordered him to drop the weapon, but he allegedly refused until they took him into custody using less-lethal tactics. Authorities said Smith continued resisting after he was detained.
According to the victim, Smith forced his way into the apartment after the victim unlocked the door. The victim said Smith pointed the sword at him and demanded to see his brother, leading him to fear for his life. He also reported that Smith used the sword to force him out of the apartment.
Smith faces charges of armed burglary, armed kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer without violence. He has no criminal convictions. Judge Adam Lee ordered Smith held without bail while the State Attorney’s Office seeks to keep him detained without bail through trial. If that request is denied, bail will be determined at the 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.
