Alachua County Sheriff

Alachua County Sheriff Official Facebook account of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office. This account is not monitored 24/7. Emergencies - 911. Non-Emergencies call (352) 955-1818.

If you are having an emergency dial 911. If you need to make a non emergency report please call (352) 955-1818. Facebook is monitored periodically but is not the proper forum for reporting emergencies. An important goal of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is to support lines of communication with members of the public and to do so with a level of transparency that encourages citizen interaction

. The use of social media enhances our ability to do this, particularly through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office offers Facebook (facebook.com/AlachuaCountySheriff) and Twitter () pages as a public service to the community. These accounts are not monitored in real-time. To report a crime, speak with a law enforcement officer, or for any other issue that requires law enforcement's assistance, please dial 911. Postings made by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to our Facebook and Twitter pages are done so with the intention of providing the public with information we believe is important or newsworthy, and in certain cases is necessary to release in the interest of public safety. Therefore, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to limit posts from members of the public to those which directly relate to our postings, and which conform to our guidelines. It is not the intent of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to provide a venue or forum for the expression and/or postings of unlimited comments, videos, or links simply for the convenience of the public. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office makes reasonable efforts to check all posts for accuracy, veracity and completeness when posted; however we make no guarantees or warrant posting reliability. Postings are made in “good faith,” though circumstances may arise that cause details to change over time, with new information being developed. Should information from a posting change, become stale, or be deemed inaccurate, we will make reasonable efforts to update it as soon as practicable, upon such discovery. Under no circumstances will information be posted that compromises the safety of the public, Alachua County Sheriff’s employees, or members of other law enforcement agencies. In an effort to encourage law enforcement/citizen interaction and co-operation, we welcome the posting of relevant comments to our social media pages. However, comments made by users do not necessarily reflect the views of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office or its members, and shouldn't be deemed as an endorsement by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office or its members, nor should they be considered as being accurate or verified. This also applies to any advertisements or third-party links that may appear on our social media pages. All content on Alachua County Sheriff’s Office social media pages, to include user comments, is considered property of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and is subject to disclosure under the Florida’s Public Records Act. Comments posted on Alachua County Sheriff’s Office social media pages are not considered private and are available for viewing by anyone accessing said pages. We urge you to protect your privacy and not list any personal or sensitive information about yourself when commenting on a post. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office does not and cannot guarantee your privacy when using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Users should familiarize themselves with, and abide by, the terms and conditions set forth by Facebook and Twitter when using those applications. At times, we may choose to reply to user comments to answer a question or to offer an update on a posting. Unfortunately we cannot reply to every comment, due to time constraints and other issues. Though we welcome your comments, there are certain guidelines we require when posting. Comments must not contain any of the following things:

1) Obscene, vulgar, s*xually explicit or otherwise offensive language/content, or links to such material;

2) Threats of any kind, particularly toward any other user or the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and its members;

3) The advocating of criminal acts or other illegal behavior;

4) Material that has the potential to compromise public safety or the safety of law enforcement personnel;

5) Remarks that disparage or discriminate against anyone based upon their s*x, race, creed, religious views, national origin, s*xual orientation, disability, etc.;

6) Remarks that may be considered libel, made toward any person or organization;

7) Anything that is clearly off the intended topic of discussion;

8) Information that is clearly inaccurate, unverified, and purposefully designed to mislead others;

9) Campaigning of any type, political or otherwise;

10) Links to other third-party sites or advertisements;

11) Any form of solicitation; and

12) Any other language/material deemed inappropriate or offensive. Any comments that violate these guidelines may be removed by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at its sole discretion, and without prior warning or notice, but will be retained for the applicable retention period. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office also reserves the right to block access to our social media pages to any user who consistently violates these guidelines, without prior warning or notice. We understand that some topics may bring about strong feelings from users, but we ask that you please exercise good judgment, common courtesy and reasonableness when posting your comments. Thanks for your understanding in this matter. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to make changes to these guidelines without notice, and when it becomes necessary to do so. Changes made to these guidelines will take effect the moment they're updated on the official Alachua County Sheriff’s Office website (www.alachuasheriff.org) and viewable to the public. Please check these guidelines periodically for possible revisions.

****** 8am Update *******The scene is still active, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Mar...
09/02/2026

****** 8am Update *******

The scene is still active, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Marion County Sheriff's Office to allow A*O’s SWAT Team to be relieved. We ask the public to continue avoiding the area until the scene is cleared.

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🔔 Our agency continues to work toward a safe resolution in Countryway Townsquare. We recognize that citizens within the neighborhood may be waking to get ready to start their day. If you live in the immediate vicinity of the suspect’s residence, you can leave your home, but please leave the area quickly. We continue to try to apprehend a person who is believed to be armed and barricaded inside of his residence.

💥 You may have heard a loud boom in the area. This was not a gunshot. We used a distraction device during this incident. The scene remains active and we ask that you remain sheltered if you live in the immediate vicinity of the suspect’s home.

🚨 UPDATE 🚨

This scene is still very active. You may hear loud announcements from law enforcement if you live in the immediate area. Please continue to shelter within your home as we work toward a safe resolution.

*****************************************

ACTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT INCIDENT - COUNTRYWAY TOWNSQUARE

Multiple Deputies are on scene at 24639 SW 21st Circle (Countryway Townsquare) for the report of an armed barricaded suspect who is believed to be inside of his residence.

This incident is very active and has prompted the response of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, along with several other additional resources to assist with peacefully resolving this incident.

We have evacuated several homes surrounding the residence and we are asking that residents in the immediate area please shelter in place. Stay away from all exterior windows and remain in your home.

We will continue to update our community as this incident progresses.

Last night, members of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Chad Scott, joined community members in Ga...
09/01/2026

Last night, members of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Chad Scott, joined community members in Gainesville for the Taking Strides to End Overdose Walk.

Together, participants took 5,501 steps in honor of the lives lost to fatal overdoses in Florida last year. The evening concluded with a moving candlelight vigil, where local organizations shared valuable resources, and community members courageously shared personal stories about the impact of the opioid epidemic.

Sheriff Scott delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the loss of his beloved son to an overdose several years ago and reminding everyone why events like Taking Strides to End Overdose matter. His message was one of compassion, hope, and the importance of coming together to support those struggling with substance use and the families who love them.

Here are a few moments from his powerful remarks, along with highlights of the many organizations working every day to provide hope, treatment, and recovery resources throughout our community.

𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐃. 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬On Monday, August 31, 2026, the Alachua Co...
08/31/2026

𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐃. 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

On Monday, August 31, 2026, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office received a written memorandum from FDOT Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Secretary Will Watts regarding the revocation of general use permits for automated license plate readers (ALPRs) located within the right-of-way of roads on the State Highway System.

Upon receiving this directive, I immediately instructed the commander of our Innovative Policing Division to notify both Flock and Axon that all ALPR devices located within the right-of-way of state roadways or highways must be removed within 30 days so that the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office remains fully compliant with the direction we received from FDOT.

Our agency identified 27 ALPR devices that meet the criteria for removal.

Over the past several months, I have closely followed the ongoing national conversation surrounding the use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement. I have also listened to the concerns expressed by members of our own community regarding privacy, the collection of data, how long information is retained, who has access to it, and how that information may ultimately be used.

I believe those concerns deserve to be heard.

People in the United States live under a Constitution that protects individual liberty and privacy. As law-abiding citizens, we should never lose sight of the fact that people simply want to go about their daily lives without feeling as though their movements are being unnecessarily monitored or that information about them is being retained or accessed for purposes unrelated to legitimate public safety.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the tremendous public-safety value this technology can provide when it is used appropriately, responsibly, and within clearly defined legal and policy boundaries.

Has the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office used ALPR technology to assist in solving homicides, violent attacks, armed robberies, burglaries, missing-person cases, and other serious crimes?

Absolutely!

We have cases and data demonstrating how this technology has helped investigators develop leads, identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, locate wanted individuals, and in some circumstances, help bring justice to victims and their families.

But there is another important side of this conversation.

The vast majority of vehicles captured by ALPR technology belong to ordinary people who are simply going to work, taking their children to school, visiting family, going to the grocery store, or otherwise living their lives. Those people are not suspects, and they should not be treated as such.

That is why the conversation cannot simply be about whether law enforcement should have technology.

It must also be about how that technology is used, what information is collected, how long it is retained, who can access it, what constitutes a legitimate search, how those searches are documented, and how we ensure the system cannot be misused.

At the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, we have implemented strict policies governing the use of ALPR technology, including defined search requirements and auditing procedures designed to ensure accountability. Technology should never replace good police work, constitutional protections, or sound judgment.

The goal moving forward should be conversation, not division.

How do we preserve the ability to use technology that can help save lives, locate missing children and vulnerable adults, identify dangerous criminals, and bring justice to victims, while simultaneously protecting the privacy and constitutional freedoms of the very people we have sworn to serve?

I believe there is common ground to be found.

Just as indiscriminately capturing and retaining information about every passing vehicle for extended periods of time may understandably make members of our community uncomfortable, destroying or attempting to completely eliminate technology that has legitimate and demonstrated public-safety benefits is not necessarily the answer either.

There has to be a responsible middle ground.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office will comply with FDOT’s directive regarding the placement of ALPRs within state highway rights-of-way. At the same time, we will continue working to understand what options remain available to us so that we can maintain effective investigative capabilities while respecting the concerns of our community and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and directives.

I believe the best way forward is for law enforcement, our elected officials, technology providers, and most importantly, the people we serve to come together and ask difficult questions.

How do we protect privacy?

How do we ensure accountability?

How do we prevent misuse?

And how do we preserve the tools that can help us bring a missing loved one home or deliver justice to a family after a violent crime?

There is no perfect solution, but I believe that if we are willing to listen to one another, ask the right questions, establish meaningful safeguards, and work together, we can find common ground.

Our responsibility is not simply to keep our community safe. It is to do so while protecting the freedoms and constitutional rights that make our community and our country worth protecting in the first place.

Sheriff Chad D. Scott
Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

𝟏𝟏-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐆𝐮𝐧 During the early morning hours of Saturday, August 29, 202...
08/31/2026

𝟏𝟏-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐆𝐮𝐧

During the early morning hours of Saturday, August 29, 2026, DS B. Dolan responded to a residence in the 1100 block of SE 41st Drive regarding an armed disturbance.

Once on scene, DS Dolan met with two juvenile victims who stated while they were in a bedroom, they noticed the suspect, also a juvenile, outside on the playground. The victims and the 11-year-old male suspect are familiar with each other. When the suspect saw the victims, an argument broke out between them. The suspect then grabbed a black semi-automatic handgun from another person on the playground, walked up to the victims’ bedroom window, knocked on the window with the gun, and threatened to shoot the victims. The two victims yelled saying there was someone outside with a gun, and a guardian went outside to see what the commotion was. The guardian saw the suspect holding the gun and contacted law enforcement. The suspect, and the person they grabbed the gun from left the location before deputies arrived.

Deputies made contact with the suspect at his residence and were able to confirm he was the same person who threatened the victims with a gun.

The suspect was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon without Intent to Kill. He was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.

Today, August 31st, is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember and a time to act. This year marks the 2...
08/31/2026

Today, August 31st, is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember and a time to act. This year marks the 25th anniversary, with the theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids, primarily illegally manufactured fentanyl, are involved in the highest percentage of overdose deaths.

Taking action before a substance use disorder develops can make a meaningful difference. By increasing awareness, encouraging healthy choices, and promoting the safe use of prescription medications, we can help reduce the risk of opioid misuse and other forms of substance use. Prevention is a community effort, and providing education, resources, and support helps strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods while creating healthier, safer communities for everyone.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is committed to helping save lives by offering FREE Narcan to anyone who would like it. Narcan is available 24/7 from the dispenser located in the Department of the Jail lobby, no questions asked. A second Narcan dispenser will also be available soon in the Sheriff’s Office main lobby.

Together, we can remember those we have lost, support those still fighting, reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and work toward preventing future overdoses.

To get involved locally, you can come out this evening to the “Taking Strides to End Overdose” walk, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Nehemiah Project, 4114NW 13th St in Gainesville. Participants will walk 5,501 steps to commemorate people who experienced a fatal overdose in Florida last year. Following the walk, there will be a candlelight vigil at Released Reentry, 4104 NW 13th Street at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and overdose prevention resources, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/index.html

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐦 & 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬  During the afternoon hours of Thursday, August 27,...
08/28/2026

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐦 & 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬

During the afternoon hours of Thursday, August 27, 2026, FOCUS DS J. Leber conducted a traffic stop on a grey Ford for a traffic infraction in the 22500 block of SE 74th Lane in Hawthorne.

When making contact with the driver, 18-year-old Latrelvious Strickland, DS Leber observed Strickland display numerous nervous indicators, along with a strong smell of ma*****na emitting from both Strickland’s person and inside the vehicle. Strickland denied having a medical ma*****na card. It was also revealed Strickland only had a learner’s license, and he had a juvenile passenger in the car with him.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and revealed a semi-automatic handgun with a missing serial number, 55.1 grams of ma*****na, 3.6 grams of to***co mixed with ma*****na, an air rifle, and a digital scale.

Strickland and the passenger were detained. When walking the subjects to a patrol vehicle to be questioned, a small amount of ma*****na fell out of the juvenile’s pants. It was later determined that Strickland asked the juvenile to hide the narcotics when they were pulled over by law enforcement.

The investigation revealed the gun, narcotics, and drug paraphernalia belonged to Strickland. The traffic stop also took place within 1000 feet of a convenience store on US Highway 301.

The juvenile was released, and Strickland was arrested.

Strickland was charged with Possession of a Firearm with an Altered/Removed Serial Number, Possession of Ma*****na Over 20 Grams, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Commission of a Felony While Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell/Deliver within 1000 feet of a Convenience Business, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child, and Tampering with Evidence in a Criminal Investigation.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲

During the late evening hours of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, DS R Maleske responded to a residence in the 4900 block of SW 63rd Blvd regarding an armed disturbance.

Once on scene, DS Maleske made contact with two witnesses and the victim, who was observed to have cuts on various parts of their body. All the subjects explained the victim was sitting in a vehicle outside the residence when the suspect, 57-year-old Tarry Stine, approached the car. Stine reportedly reached through the open passenger side window, and started to hit the victim multiple times. He then stepped back from the vehicle, lifted his shirt, and brandished a black firearm that was tucked in his waistband.

Law enforcement was able to confirm Stine was inside the residence. They surrounded the location and gave loud verbal commands for Stine to exit and surrender. After approximately 45 minutes, Stine exited, and he was taken into custody.

A criminal history check of Stine revealed he is a nine-time convicted felon, serving time for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Aggravated Battery on Person 65 Years or Older, and Aggravated Battery on a First Responder.

Stine was charged with Burglary with a Battery, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Resisting an Officer without Violence.

We want to give a shout out to the newest members of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office family. During yesterday’s Oath...
08/28/2026

We want to give a shout out to the newest members of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office family. 

During yesterday’s Oath of Office Ceremony, Deputy Sheriffs, Detention Officers and recently promoted leaders took an important step in their careers, surrounded by the support of their family, friends, fellow employees, and command staff.

Congratulations to each of you on this exciting milestone. We are proud to have you as part of the A*O family and look forward to supporting you throughout your journey in law enforcement and corrections.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲On August 28, 1988, Rita Melton was found dead in a wooded area approximately 1.5 miles north of Or...
08/28/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲

On August 28, 1988, Rita Melton was found dead in a wooded area approximately 1.5 miles north of Orange Heights. Her blue and white Ford F-100 pickup was located nearby.

This case remains unsolved, and your tip could make a difference as we continue to seek answers. If you have any information, no matter how small, that could help bring closure to Rita’s loved ones, please contact:

Alachua County Sheriff’s Sergeant M. Cooper at [email protected] or 352-367-4163, or Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida Inc at 352-372-STOP.

TRAFFIC ALERT - 5000 Block SW STATE RD 45Deputies and Fire Rescue Personnel are on scene in the 5000 block of SW State R...
08/28/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT - 5000 Block SW STATE RD 45

Deputies and Fire Rescue Personnel are on scene in the 5000 block of SW State Road 45 with a vehicle crash involving road block.

SW State Road 45 Northbound is closed at this time and causing significant traffic delays. Seek an alternate route where possible.

Now that school is back in session, including our college students, we know weekends often bring celebrations and nights...
08/27/2026

Now that school is back in session, including our college students, we know weekends often bring celebrations and nights out. We want everyone to enjoy themselves, make smart choices, and get home safely. Choosing a sober ride protects not only you, but your friends, classmates, and everyone else sharing the road.

Starting tomorrow, you may notice an increased law enforcement presence in and around the University of Florida as the Gainesville (FL) Police Dept leads its “Chomp Down on DUIs” enforcement initiative. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with GPD, alongside the UF Public Safety, Alachua Police Department, High Springs Police Department, FHP Gainesville (Troop B), and Santa Fe College Police Department, to help keep our community safe.

This high-visibility enforcement effort is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by driving under the influence.

In addition to enforcement, participating agencies will also be providing educational materials and sharing information about general health resources, as well as resources related to alcohol and substance use.

If your plans include alcohol this weekend, make a plan before you go:
- Use a rideshare or taxi
- Take advantage of safe transportation options.
- Designate a sober driver.
- Call someone you trust for a ride

Address

2621 SE Hawthorne Road
Gainesville, FL
32641

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