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Police: Gainesville Man Knocked Unconscious After Pulling Knife

Wesley Cooke (Photo courtesy Alachua County Sheriff's Office)
Wesley Cooke (Photo courtesy Alachua County Sheriff's Office)

A Gainesville man was arrested this morning after police believe he pulled out a knife in a road-rage incident but was knocked unconscious by the driver he was threatening. Wesley Cooke, 33, is expected to face charges of aggravated assault with deadly weapon and criminal mischief, according to a news release from Gainesville police. Cooke "initiated a road-rage incident" in the 2200 block of Northwest 16th Avenue that "resulted in the other vehicle pulling off the road," the release said. Cooke pulled out a knife while approaching the car and attempted to stab the other driver, but he hit the window instead, the release said. The other driver then exited the car and punched Cooke, knocking him unconscious. Further specifics weren't immediately clear because a Gainesville police spokesman couldn't be reached. Cooke is being treated at UF Health Shands for a fractured skull and bleeding brain, the release said. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be charged with a felony count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief.

Turner F. Street is a reporter for WUFT and can be reached at turners@ufl.edu or 904-382-9272.