Gainesville Police Department

06/25/2026

𝐆𝐏𝐃 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐱𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐱

The Gainesville Police Department would like to sincerely thank Walmart for their generous donation of a Bexley Box.

A Bexley Box is a specialized comfort kit provided to law enforcement agencies to help care for and comfort young children who have experienced a crisis or severe trauma. These boxes contain essential items and comfort supplies designed to support children during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The initiative was created right here in Florida by Kirsten Bridegan through The The Bridegan Foundation. The project honors her late husband, Jared Bridegan, who was tragically murdered in an ambush in Jacksonville Beach in 2022. During the attack, their 2-year-old daughter, Bexley, was strapped into her car seat and witnessed the horrific crime.

Following the incident, Bexley spent several hours at a police station. While officers did everything they could to comfort and care for her, they lacked basic toddler necessities such as diapers, snacks, and other age-appropriate items. Determined to ensure no child would face a similar situation, Kirsten created the Bexley Box to fill this critical resource gap for future child victims and witnesses.

This thoughtful donation will help our officers provide immediate comfort and support to children during traumatic situations. We are grateful to Walmart for helping us better serve some of our community's most vulnerable members.

Thank you for making a difference.

06/25/2026

Domestic violence is a serious crime in Florida and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or income. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and relationships.

Florida law broadly defines domestic violence as assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense that results in physical injury or death to a family or household member. Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, individuals living together as a family, and parents of a child in common.

Under Florida law, law enforcement officers are required to make an arrest when they observe visible injuries, have evidence that an assault occurred, or witness an act of domestic violence. In these cases, the State of Florida becomes the victim in the prosecution to help protect victims from coercion, intimidation, or pressure from offenders.

If you are arrested for domestic battery, you will be held without bond until appearing before a judge. At first appearance, the judge will determine whether bond will be granted and will typically issue a no-contact order prohibiting contact with the victim and often preventing a return to a shared residence.

A conviction for domestic battery can result in up to one year in jail, one year of probation, a $1,000 fine, and mandatory completion of a Batterer’s Intervention Program. A domestic violence conviction cannot be sealed or expunged and will remain on your criminal record.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida will implement new laws designed to strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors and increase accountability for offenders. The new legislation will:

• Increase penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders.
• Expand the factors judges may consider when issuing protective injunctions.
• Enhance penalties for individuals who violate domestic violence injunctions.
• Authorize electronic monitoring pilot programs for certain offenders.

Domestic violence is a serious crime that impacts individuals, families, and entire communities. These changes are intended to provide greater protection for victims while holding offenders accountable for their actions.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and safety.

06/25/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 – 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀

On June 25, 2011, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the body of 31-year-old Angel Harris was discovered concealed behind a row of bushes near the Sun Center at 235 S. Main Street. Evidence indicated that Harris had been strangled the night before. She was known to frequent the downtown area and was last seen alive near the St. Francis House on the night of her death.

Fifteen years later, investigators continue to seek answers and justice for Angel and her loved ones. Someone may have seen or heard something that could help bring closure to this case.

If you have any information regarding the murder of Angel Harris, please contact Gainesville Police Department Detectives at 352-393-7670. You can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida Inc. at 352-372-STOP(7867), download the Crime Stoppers P3 Tips app or visit https://www.stopcrime.tv/ Crime Stoppers pays up to $1000, if the information you provide results in an arrest. You don’t have to give your name…just call in with what you know. If an arrest is made, you get paid!

06/23/2026

Scammers continue to use fake pop-up advertisements to trick victims into giving away money and personal information.

Remember: Legitimate companies will not lock your screen, demand immediate payment through Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash, or ask for your passwords.

If you receive a suspicious pop-up ad:
★ Do not click on it.
★ Close the window safely.
★ Run a security scan on your device to ensure it has not been infected with malware.

Common signs of a malicious pop-up include:
★ Pressure to act immediately
★ Fake "tech support" phone numbers
★ Poor grammar and spelling
★ Offers that seem too good to be true
★ Pop-ups that are difficult or impossible to close

Many of these scams use the logos and branding of well-known companies to appear legitimate. However, the website address (URL) is often slightly misspelled or completely unrelated to the company it claims to represent.

Take a moment to slow down, verify before you click, and remember: if something feels off, it probably is. Many of these scams are originating overseas making them very had track/prosecute.

Be scam aware. Don't become a victim.

06/23/2026

The Gainesville Police Department is requesting assistance in locating Johnny McDonald (DOB: 9/28/1985), who currently has active warrants for Burglary, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Credit Card Fraud.

McDonald is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs about 215 pounds. He is known to frequent the SW 20th Avenue corridor and the Clark Butler shopping area.

If you know McDonald’s whereabouts or have information that could assist detectives, please contact Detective Barnes at 352-642-6121.

You can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida Inc. 352-372-STOP(7867), download the Crime Stoppers P3 Tips app or visit https://www.stopcrime.tv/ Crime Stoppers pays up to $1000, if the information you provide results in an arrest. You don’t have to give your name…just call in with what you know. If an arrest is made, you get paid

06/23/2026

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬

Great work by detectives in stopping this suspect from defrauding more of our citizens.

Gainesville, Florida – Xin Liu, 40, a Chinese national living in Apopka, Florida, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her material participation in an elder fraud scheme.

06/19/2026

Traffic lights are out in the southwest along 34th Street due to the stormy weather. Please avoid the area if you can.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth is a time for reflection, remembrance and celebration. It reminds us of the ongoing journey towards justice, equity and unity. As members of the Gainesville community and stewards of public safety, we reaffirm our commitment to building trust, honoring diversity and fostering a community where all voices are heard and respected.

We encourage everyone to take this day to learn, engage and celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of African American communities – past, present and future.

Together, let us continue to work toward a more just and inclusive Gainesville for all.

06/19/2026

***𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 ***𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 ***

Green has been located and rearrested. Thank you for the assistance.

There is currently a large law enforcement presence in the area of NW 43rd Street and NW 53rd Avenue as officers search for an escaped arrestee.

Officers arrested 16-year-old Jomorian “Bob” Green (DOB: 8/9/2009) on an outstanding felony warrant and additional charges. He was transported to the Millhopper Emergency Room for medical clearance. At approximately 3:42 a.m., Green fled from the facility and has not yet been located.

At the time of his escape, Green was handcuffed behind his back.

Green is described as 5’8” tall, approximately 150 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants with a white stripe, and no shoes.

Residents in the area can expect a significant law enforcement presence as officers continue their search.

If you see Green, do not approach him. Please call 9-1-1 immediately and provide his location.

06/18/2026

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the most dangerous times for a survivor. As a community, we can help ensure that no survivor has to choose between safety and meeting their family's basic needs. Help is available, and no one has to navigate abuse alone.

𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀

-Peaceful Paths is a state certified Domestic Violence center serving Alachua, Bradford and Union Counties
-Peaceful Paths serves all survivors who are experiencing Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence and Dating Violence and their children.
-All services are free and confidential

List of services:

• 24 hour helpline: 352-377-8255 and Text Line: 352-727-0948
• Emergency shelter – 46 beds, average stay is 6-8 weeks
• Longer term safe housing
• Safety planning and victim advocacy
• Crisis counseling, support groups, youth services
• Legal services supporting injunctions for protection
• Financial literacy
• Transportation assistance and referrals to community services
• Access to essential items such as clothing, food, toiletries, and other basic necessities for survivors and their children

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹/𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Alachua County Victim Services & R**e Crisis Center – 352-264-6760

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788.

Emergency: Call 911 if you are in immediate danger

Non-emergency law enforcement response– 352-955-1818

University of Florida students can also reach out to the Office of Victim Services for available resources or visit https://police.ufl.edu/about-ufpd/divisions/behavioral-services/office-of-victim-services/resources-for-victims/ for additional information.

For additional empowerment resources visit Women Working with Women https://www.womenworkingwithwomen.org/ Their services are comprised of professional speakers, interactive specialty workshops, certification classes, computer training, children and teen social development classes, family counseling, women’s transitioning back into society from incarceration, abuse, and or out of the work scene for many years.