Staff report

ALACHUA, Fla. – A man named Anthony Bernard Washington, Jr., aged 41, was taken into custody after he allegedly hurled a mailbox at a police vehicle, causing harm to the hood and windshield.

At approximately 6:38 p.m. on May 24, Washington is said to have signaled an officer from the Alachua Police Department along the 13800 block of NW 142nd Place. The officer noted that Washington appeared “extremely upset with anyone and everyone” nearby. During an in-depth conversation, the officer observed that Washington was having a loud argument with family members who were attempting to calm him.

According to the officer, once the family members departed, Washington attempted to toss a heavy roll of chain link fence onto the hood of the patrol car. In an effort to shield his vehicle, the officer held on to the fencing while waiting for backup, instructing Washington to cease his attempts at damaging the car.

Washington allegedly became agitated because the officer would not let go of the fencing, grabbed the box from a nearby mailbox, and threw the mailbox at the patrol car, damaging the hood and the windshield. When Washington moved to pick up the mailbox again, the officer reportedly deployed his taser and arrested him.

Washington has been charged with property damage over $200 and resisting an officer without violence. He has five felony convictions and two misdemeanor convictions, and Judge Luis Bustamante set bail at $7,500.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.