Ormond Beach Firefighter Placed on Administrative Leave After Arrest in Gainesville

A firefighter with the Ormond Beach Fire Department has been placed on administrative leave after getting arrested in Gainesville. 

After midnight Sunday, Gainesville Police Department Officer Brandon Mills was present at Midtown when he saw Steven Paul Taylor, 21, yell fighting words to an unknown man. Mills escorted Taylor away after seeing him put his hands on the man’s neck and shoulder before pushing him.

Taylor reportedly began speaking aggressively towards Mills and he was told to leave the area. Taylor refused and Mills began arresting him. 

Taylor reportedly resisted arrest by grappling and pushing Mills. Multiple bystanders saw the altercation. 

One of the bystanders works at the incident location and said he saw Taylor in a bar trying to fight the unknown man. The witness said the man ran away from Taylor. 

Taylor was charged with brawling, trespassing, battery on specified personnel and obstruction without violence. 

Taylor was released after posting a $4,000 bond. 

Taylor’s mugshot is not available on his booking report because he is a firefighter. Florida law exempts the release of mugshots for many first responders. 

Ormond Beach Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier told GnvInfo that Taylor “has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the judicial process,” and said he is unable to comment further as the matter is ongoing.