In Gainesville, Florida, a tense situation unfolded yesterday involving two men at a homeless camp. James Aaron Olin, aged 28, and Sandy Ray Wilson, 52, faced arrest following an alarming incident that transpired in the early afternoon.
The altercation began around 2:30 p.m. when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to an area of woods situated just west of Moe’s Southwest Grill on Newberry Road. The victims later recounted their experience, explaining that as they made their way along the sidewalk toward the entrance to the wooded area, they encountered Wilson. It’s alleged that Wilson began shouting at them about previous altercations.
According to the victims, they proceeded to their camp, passing Olin along the way. At that moment, Olin did not display any hostility. However, the situation escalated shortly after the victims reached their campsite. They reported hearing shouting and observed both Wilson and Olin approaching them. Wilson was reportedly brandishing a large machete and made threats to dismember the female victim, while Olin allegedly stood behind him, wielding a significant curved knife.
The victims, fearing for their immediate safety, quickly contacted law enforcement. In a desperate move to protect themselves, the male victim armed himself with a small axe. The situation de-escalated when Wilson and Olin noticed the female victim speaking on the phone with the police, prompting their swift departure from the scene.
Shortly after the victims arrived at their camp, they heard yelling and saw Wilson and Olin walking toward them; they said Wilson had a large machete in his hands and threatened to chop the female victim into pieces. They said Olin was standing behind Wilson and had a large curved knife in his hands.
The victims said they felt they were in immediate danger and called the police; the male victim grabbed a small axe, but when Olin and Wilson realized the female victim was on the phone with the police, they quickly left.
Deputies found Olin and Wilson at a nearby gas station, based on descriptions provided by the victims.
Post Miranda, Olin reportedly said he and Wilson went to the victims’ camp because Wilson was mad about a previous incident between him and the female victim. He reportedly admitted to having a curved knife, and he said Wilson had a piece of wood, not a machete.
Post Miranda, Wilson reportedly declined to speak with deputies.
Olin has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has one felony conviction (non-violent) and six misdemeanor convictions (two violent) and is currently on probation for drug possession. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $15,000.
Wilson has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has one felony conviction (violent) and has an active warrant out of Duval County for misrepresenting himself as a licensed contractor. He has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2014. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $10,000.
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.
