A 50-year-old convicted felon from Dunnellon was arrested this week after he was accused of threatening his friend with a gun.
On Tuesday, February 13, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a home located on SW 151st Place in Dunnellon in reference to an altercation. Upon arrival, the deputy made contact with the male victim who advised that he had gotten into an argument with his friend, Joseph William Comfort III, according to the arrest report.
The victim stated that Comfort had stopped by the incident location and accused the victim of stealing a trailer. The report stated that during the ensuing argument, the victim had his back turned towards Comfort when his friend allegedly threatened to shoot him.
The deputy noted in the report that the victim did not see a firearm during the incident, though he knew that Comfort typically carried a 9mm handgun.
Two witnesses were interviewed and told the deputy that they saw Comfort pull a handgun out of his waistband during the incident. Both witnesses stated that Comfort then threatened to shoot the victim in the head.
A computer search of Comfort revealed that he has prior felony convictions in New York, Virginia, and North Carolina. Therefore, he is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.
Comfort was located and arrested on Thursday, February 15, and he was transported to Marion County Jail. He is currently being held on $30,000 bond, and he is facing the following charges: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a felon.
A court date has been scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, according to jail records.