Crime & Safety
Gainesville, FL: Man Accused of Threatening 2 Kids With Gun Nov. 12
Gainesville, FL – A 22 year old man was arrested Thursday afternoon, November 12, 2026, after allegedly threatening to shoot two children playing outside a home in Alachua County. Deputies later recov
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-11-13T18:09:56.887Z
Gainesville, FL – A 22 year old man was arrested Thursday afternoon, November 12, 2026, after allegedly threatening to shoot two children playing outside a home in Alachua County. Deputies later recovered a handgun during a high risk traffic stop.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff 's Office, Deputy A. Gargulak responded to an armed disturbance in the 6900 block of Southwest 21st Lane after receiving a report involving two children and a firearm.
Investigators said one child's mother reported that her child was playing curbball outside with another child when she heard a commotion.
When the mother looked outside, she allegedly saw the children speaking with 22 year old Devon Guthrie, who had a firearm tucked into the front of his pants.
The mother told deputies Guthrie left before she could investigate what had happened.
However, after speaking with the children, she learned that Guthrie allegedly threatened to shoot them if their ball struck him.
The children also reported that Guthrie displayed his firearm during the confrontation.
Deputies spoke with the children, who reportedly expressed fear of Guthrie following the incident.
Law enforcement officers subsequently located a suspect matching Guthrie's description leaving the area in a vehicle.
Deputies conducted a high risk traffic stop, ordered Guthrie out of the vehicle and detained him.
During the encounter, deputies reported finding a tan Glock handgun on Guthrie's person.
Guthrie was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Authorities did not report that either child suffered physical injuries or that any shots were fired.
The Sheriff's Office did not provide additional details about what allegedly led to the confrontation beyond the children's account involving their ball.
The arrest highlights the seriousness of allegations involving firearm threats against children in residential neighborhoods.
Guthrie is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.