Newberry Man Arrested After Campus-Area Burglary Near University of Florida

GAINESVILLE, FL — A Newberry resident has been arrested and faces multiple burglary charges after being caught by police in a neighborhood immediately adjacent to the University of Florida (UF) campus.

The arrest occurred after alert students residing in off-campus housing noticed a man acting suspiciously in the area. According to Gainesville Police, witnesses reported seeing the suspect testing door handles of parked cars and walking up to the entryways of several student apartments.

Responding officers spotted the suspect matching the description provided by callers. Upon approaching, officers witnessed the man attempting to gain entry into an apartment unit. He was detained immediately. A search incident to arrest revealed the suspect was in possession of items believed to have been taken from nearby properties, including electronics and personal documents belonging to local students.

The suspect, a resident of Newberry, has been charged with:

• Burglary of a structure or dwelling
• Loitering and prowling
• Possession of stolen property

He was transported to the Alachua County Jail. The Gainesville Police Department praised the UF students for their quick action, emphasizing the importance of locking doors and windows, especially in high-density student residential zones surrounding the campus.