Alachua County, FL – Deputies arrested a Gainesville man Monday night after an investigation into an assault involving an elderly victim at a northwest Gainesville residence.
During the evening hours of December 29, 2025, Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity at a home in the 6900 block of Northwest 44th Place. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with both the victim and a witness.
According to investigators, the witness reported hearing a scream outside the residence and then seeing the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Christopher De Padua, dragging an elderly individual by the neck back inside the home. The witness ran to assist the victim while another person nearby called 911. Deputies said the victim later provided a statement that corroborated the witness account.
During the investigation, deputies also confirmed De Padua has a documented history of aggressive behavior.
De Padua left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Later that same day, deputies received a call from the victim reporting that De Padua had returned to the residence. Deputies responded back to the location, where De Padua surrendered without incident and was taken into custody.
De Padua was charged with Battery of a Person 65 Years of Age or Older and False Imprisonment. The investigation remains ongoing.
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