Bail set at $2,500 after two youths arrested during Gainesville apartment shootout investigation

James Cedric Steadman Jr. and Jeremiah Lavon Collins were arrested on the evening of November 2 while police investigated reports of gunshots in Gainesville, Florida. The arrests took place at Lewis Place Apartments, located at 4121 NE 15th Street, shortly after officers responded to the scene.

Gainesville Police Department officers arrived at approximately 8:22 p.m. to canvass the area for suspicious activity. During the sweep, an officer spotted Collins in a breezeway. Collins allegedly ran from the officer, prompting a second officer to pursue and detain the 14-year-old.

Steadman, who is 18, reportedly ran toward the officer holding Collins and attempted to pull him away. The first officer drew his firearm but pointed it toward the ground. He instructed Steadman to step back, and Steadman complied. Steadman then yelled at the officer for drawing the weapon.

As officers spoke with Collins, Steadman continued to shout, drawing neighbors out of their apartments. Steadman reportedly told officers multiple times that they would have to kill him because he was ready to die. When officers attempted to handcuff him, Steadman tensed his body and refused to put his hands behind his back. He was eventually lowered to the ground, where he kept his hands under his body until officers secured the cuffs.

Collins faces charges of loitering and prowling, resisting an officer without violence, and violating probation. Because Collins is a juvenile, his criminal history and specific release conditions are not publicly available. Steadman has been charged with resisting an officer without violence. Court records show he has juvenile convictions from 2021 through 2025.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered a mental health evaluation for Steadman. She set his bail at $2,500 but ruled that the amount could be waived if he is accepted into an alternative program. The listed charges are based on police reports and court records and are considered accusations until proven guilty in court.