A Gainesville man, Mario Lopez Aviles, 28, was still being held in the Hall County Jail late Friday afternoon following his arrest Tuesday night after sheriff’s deputies arrested him in connection with a confrontation and theft at a home on West Side Drive.
The officers were called to the residence in response to a report about a disturbance involving a suspected theft. When they arrived, they found Lopez Aviles, 28, there along with two victims.
According to the preliminary investigation, Lopez Aviles had come to the property and was removing lawn equipment from a trailer parked in the driveway. A 37‑year‑old male resident confronted him, leading to a verbal dispute that escalated into a fight. During the struggle, investigators say Lopez Aviles pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the victim. As the fight continued, he threw the weapon to the ground, ending the confrontation.
The property owner told deputies he wished to press charges for the theft of the equipment, which included two backpack blowers, a string trimmer and a hedge trimmer.
He’s been charged with aggravated assault and theft by taking. His bond is set at $14,700.