Gainesville Man Charged for Attacking Child and Injuring Shands Security

Gregory Lernard London Jr. faces new charges after prior child abuse and probation violations.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gregory Lernard London Jr., a 36-year-old Gainesville resident, has been charged with child abuse and battery on emergency medical personnel after separate incidents in August 2025 and January 2026. London was originally arrested in October 2025 for allegedly grabbing and threatening a juvenile male, and has now been charged with assaulting two security guards at UF Health Shands Hospital while undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat offenders and mental health issues, as well as the challenges faced by security personnel in healthcare settings. London's history of violent crimes and probation violations raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing such complex cases.

The details

In the August 2025 incident, London allegedly grabbed a juvenile male by the collar, lifted him off the ground, and threatened to break his jaw. The victim suffered scratch marks and a torn collar. In the January 2026 incident at Shands, London became agitated while undergoing a psychiatric evaluation and allegedly pushed, hit, and bit two security guards, causing visible injuries. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the assault.

  • On August 22, 2025, the child abuse incident occurred.
  • On October 13, 2025, a warrant was issued for London's arrest in the child abuse case.
  • On October 20, 2025, London was arrested in Levy County and transported to the Alachua County Jail.
  • On January 10, 2026, London was involuntarily committed to Shands for a psychiatric evaluation.
  • On January 12, 2026, a warrant was issued for London's arrest in the Shands security guard assault case.

The players

Gregory Lernard London Jr.

A 36-year-old Gainesville resident with a history of violent crimes and probation violations.

Alachua Chronicle

The local news publication that reported on the incidents.

UF Health Shands Hospital

The healthcare facility where the security guard assault took place.

Gainesville Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated both incidents.

Judge James Colaw

The judge who signed the warrants for London's arrests.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I will break your jaw.”

— Gregory Lernard London Jr. (Alachua Chronicle)

“F*** that”

— Gregory Lernard London Jr. (Alachua Chronicle)

What’s next

London is scheduled for a hearing in the child abuse case on February 26, 2026. He is currently being held on $200,000 bail for the two counts of battery on emergency medical personnel.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system when dealing with repeat offenders who may also be struggling with mental health issues. It underscores the need for comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of violence and provide appropriate support and interventions.