Archer Man Arrested for ‘Sucker Punching’ Bartender

NEWBERRY – A 26-year-old Archer man was arrested late Friday night after deputies say he punched a bartender during an altercation at a Town of Tioga bar, then resisted deputies when they attempted to take him into custody.

The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. Oct. 31, 2025. According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the bar after receiving a report of a physical disturbance involving an intoxicated patron.

When deputies arrived, the bartender told them the suspect, identified as Brent Thomas Rodgers, had been arguing with him before allegedly punching him in the face without warning. The bartender said the blow knocked him to the ground.

Surveillance video provided by the business reportedly corroborated the incident, and a witness told deputies the bartender had just turned his face away when Rodgers “sucker-punched” him.

Deputies located Rodgers inside a neighboring business. According to the arrest report, when a deputy instructed Rodgers to stand so he could be handcuffed, he allegedly pulled away and said he would not comply. Rodgers was then taken to the ground and placed in custody.

A search following the arrest reportedly revealed a hollow-point .22 LR bullet in Rodgers’ pocket. Deputies noted that, as a convicted felon, Rodgers is prohibited from possessing ammunition.

Authorities said Rodgers declined to answer questions after being read his Miranda rights.

Rodgers has been charged with felony battery with a prior conviction, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and resisting an officer without violence. Records show he has one prior felony conviction and two misdemeanor convictions, including one for a violent offense.

He was arrested in 2024 for fleeing law enforcement and entered a pre-trial diversion program. The arrangement was later revoked following his arrest in March 2025 for domestic battery. He entered pleas in both cases and, in June, was sentenced to 23 days in jail with credit for time served and 13 months of probation. He later received an additional year of probation in July following the domestic battery case.

Rodgers was booked into the Alachua County Jail and is being held on $175,000 bail, set by Judge Meshon Rawls.

The bartender was not reported to be seriously injured, and deputies did not report additional disturbances inside the business or the surrounding plaza.

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