Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two 18-year-olds, Marquis Ty-keem Brown and Furquan Alif Thompson Jr., were apprehended last night for illegally carrying concealed weapons.
Around 6:46 p.m. on September 4, officers from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) initiated a traffic stop on Brown’s vehicle for failing to stop at a stop sign near Unity Park (1710 NE 31st Avenue).
The police observed that Brown appeared nervous with rapid breathing and a trembling hand, alongside detecting the odor of burnt marijuana inside the car. Based on past information indicating Brown’s history with firearms and recent involvement in a case under GPD’s investigation, the officer asked him to exit the vehicle.
The officer conducted a pat-down of Brown and reportedly found a loaded Glock 23 in his waistband.
Thompson was also requested to leave the vehicle and informed he would be searched. He reportedly attempted to flee, but officers quickly apprehended him, resulting in all parties falling to the ground during the struggle. Despite being instructed to cease resisting, Thompson continued to struggle but was eventually subdued and handcuffed.
While apprehending Thompson, officers noticed an extended magazine protruding from his waistband and confiscated a Taurus G3 with a blue rubber grip that had been reported stolen in Gainesville in 2023. Prior to being read his Miranda rights, Thompson allegedly stated, “I’m going back to prison.”
A small amount of marijuana “shake,” too little to weigh, was reportedly found on the floorboards in the front seat of the vehicle.
After being Mirandized, Brown reportedly claimed he carried a firearm for self-defense purposes and had purchased it from an unknown individual. He was unable to provide the seller’s name or specify the purchase price.
Post Miranda, Thompson reportedly said he didn’t know his gun was stolen and admitted to carrying the gun for protection because Brown was “just shot at.”
Brown has been charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm. He has juvenile convictions between 2023 and 2025 but no adult convictions. Judge George Wright set bail at $25,000.
Thompson has been charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm and resisting an officer without violence. He has juvenile convictions in 2024 but no adult convictions; he is currently on juvenile probation for vehicle burglary and fraudulent use of credit cards. Judge Wright set bail at $15,000.
Thompson is also facing a Notice to Appear for allegedly jumping on the hood of an occupied car at Eastside High School in April 2025 and stomping the windshield, breaking it. He was charged with property damage and violating probation in that case.
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.
