Homeless man arrested for attacking a 73-year-old man at a bus stop

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Christopher Maitland Morse, 42, was arrested yesterday and charged with battery on a person over 65 after allegedly attacking a 73-year-old man at a bus stop.

At about 2:07 p.m. on Saturday, Morse, the victim, and a female witness were waiting at the northbound bus stop at the northwest Walmart when Morse allegedly yelled obscenities at the witness and started arguing with her.

The responding Gainesville Police Department Officer reported that the argument became physical when Morse got up and moved aggressively toward the witness. The 73-year-old victim told the officer that he spoke up on behalf of the witness and told Morse to leave her alone. Morse allegedly pushed the man backward and punched him in the face, knocking his glasses off. The officer reported that the victim had a cut on his face.

The witness told the officer that she saw Morse punch the victim and knock his glasses off. She said she called 911 and that Morse fled toward NW 34th Blvd. The victim and witness provided a description of Morse, and an officer found him a short time later at another bus stop across the street.

Post Miranda, Morse reportedly denied hitting anyone or causing any injuries.

Morse, whose address is listed as St. Francis House, has been arrested three times in Alachua County in 2024. In April, he was fined $376 after entering a plea of nolo contendere to charges of loitering/prowling and drug possession; he has not paid anything toward his payment plan, and the first payment was officially past due on June 6. He is also facing a sworn complaint for possession of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. Morse has an out-of-state criminal history dating from 2000 to 2019.

Judge William Davis set bail at $50,000.

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.

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