Century Resident Jailed After Threatening To Kill Man With A Toy Gun

August 26, 2016

A Century man was jailed after allegedly threatening to kill another man with toy gun.

James Mitchell, 68, was charged with aggravated assault with the intent to commit a felony. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on bond.

The victim told deputies he was walking on Jefferson Avenue in front of Mitchell’s residence when Mitchell confronted him, pointed a black handgun and told the victim that he would kill him, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report.

When deputies made contact with Mitchell at his residence, they reported finding an empty firearm magazine in his pocket. Mitchell then became upset and accused the victim of stealing his air compressor. Mitchell told deputies that a firearm was in his residence “but anybody could have put it there”, an arrest report states.

Mitchell gave deputies consent to search his residence, which was condemned by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office after a January fire. A toy replica handgun was located in a bedroom dresser drawer.

Pictured above: James Mitchell. Pictured below: Mitchell’s residence was condemned after a January fire. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

13 Responses to “Century Resident Jailed After Threatening To Kill Man With A Toy Gun”

  1. David Huie Green on August 31st, 2016 8:40 am

    REGARDING:
    “I wonder if you could go to jail if you told someone that you were going to tickle them to death with a feather…..he only had a toy gun”

    Probably not but threatening to kill someone is an attack.
    You don’t actually know the plastic gun was the one he pointed.

    David for safe feathers

  2. Nod on August 29th, 2016 12:07 pm

    I wonder if you could go to jail if you told someone that you were going to tickle them to death with a feather. After all he only had a toy gun that he could do no harm with hope he gets the help he needs and not be sent to jail.

  3. Jcellops on August 27th, 2016 10:46 am

    I’m glad that Marie contributed to this story by providing firsthand knowledge of this man’s character. I do hope that the judge gets ALL of the pertinent information to make a wise decision in this case. Based upon his age of 68, he could very well be a VN vet, maybe with PTSD- which might have been a contributing factor to his action (or reaction). The point is, there may very well be more to this story.

  4. fisherman on August 27th, 2016 7:04 am

    @Grandma
    That’s what is wrong with this country people thinking that someone else owes them. This man has a family and that is who should step in. Maybe this individual needs to start helping himself. Grandma you are so concerned why don’t you step in and help him.

  5. Marie on August 27th, 2016 6:34 am

    I Know this Man , have spoken MANY times with Him, I’ve watched him push a Lawn mower in the heat of the day , helping others cut their grass, AGREED he needs Help, and a New Place to live but Jail is not the place . He’s a very sweet old man , and talks a bad game but is in no way harmful. He just wants to be left alone and not have drug dealers or thieves on his property.. Please Know the person before making harsh Judgments ..

  6. Northof9mi on August 26th, 2016 8:34 pm

    Intent maybe! Frustration yes! Means to commit the crime…NO!
    This man needs help from the pics of what he was living in as well as medical attention.

    Grandma says it best! The government will not assist, yet the milk of human kindness
    can and I am sure will.

    Maybe an attorney will do a pro bono representation for him???

  7. Dan on August 26th, 2016 6:46 pm

    Alternate housing right on time

  8. anne on August 26th, 2016 6:10 pm

    Grandma is right. This one touches my heart. The man needs help. He needed help when they condemned his house. These two men were probably friends at one time. This story doesn’t feel right.

  9. Reader on August 26th, 2016 5:28 pm

    David, there is nothing happy in this situation.

  10. Bob C. on August 26th, 2016 5:22 pm

    So, wondering where the Real firearm is that goes with the magazine found in this guy’s pocket?

  11. David Huie Green on August 26th, 2016 12:54 pm

    REGARDING:
    “He should have been given alternate housing after the fire at his home.”

    And now he has.
    All’s well that ends well.

    David for happy endings

  12. Grandma on August 26th, 2016 9:50 am

    Here is another one that has fallen through the cracks of the system. He should have been given alternate housing after the fire at his home. Charities and churches should step up and help him. Sound like he is at the end of his rope.

  13. Sam on August 26th, 2016 4:58 am

    As a matter of public safety this guy needs to be off the street. Sooner or later someone will be hurt.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News