BY DAN HILDEBRAN
A 37-year-old Starke man was sentenced to four years with the Department of Corrections after pleading to a probation violation.
Joshua Bruce Norris was first arrested on September 8, 2023, after attacking a bouncer at the Whiskey River Saloon.
According to an arrest report, the defendant first threatened a woman in the bar’s parking lot, then struck the woman’s fiancé when he intervened. The bouncer attempted to break up the fight, and Norris, along with another man, then went after the bar employee.
The fiancé was treated for injuries to his face, and the bouncer was transported to a hospital for treatment.
On February 28, 2024, Norris pleaded to felony battery and assault and was sentenced to one year in jail and three years’ probation.
On July 10, 2025, a probation officer filed a violation report, stating that on July 4, Norris was arrested in Duval County for domestic battery and criminal mischief.
According to the report, a witness and a victim claimed that while Norris and a woman were riding in a cab, the defendant struck the woman and damaged the car’s camera and windshield. The woman sustained minor injuries and said Norris spat on her three times. The arresting officer reported that the defendant appeared intoxicated.
The defendant’s prior convictions include felony battery- repeat offender, driving with a suspended or revoked license, disorderly conduct, contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a minor, trespassing, possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and DUI manslaughter.
Norris served four years with the Department of Corrections beginning in 2009 for the DUI manslaughter conviction.
