Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Richard Eugene Floto, Jr., 31, was taken into custody yesterday morning on accusations of attempting to open doors at SIMED and then forcibly taking a phone by kicking it out of a man’s hand.

A Gainesville Police Department officer was informed by the victim that Floto was observed approaching secured doors at SIMED (4343 W. Newberry Road) right before business hours. Additionally, Floto was seen moving toward vehicles belonging to six different witnesses. The victim described Floto’s behavior as unpredictable, prompting concern for the safety of those around, and thus, he requested Floto to vacate the premises.

The victim recounted that Floto questioned him about his state of origin and claimed arrival via a spaceship. Seeking advice from one of the witnesses, SIMED’s manager, the victim turned away when Floto allegedly kicked his hand, causing the phone to fall. Floto reportedly took the phone and fled into the nearby woods.

Floto was located and arrested, but the arrest report does not state whether the phone was found.

A witness said she saw Floto kick the victim and grab his phone before running away. The other witnesses said they saw Floto behaving erratically next to their vehicles before he was confronted by the victim, and then they saw Floto kick the victim and take his phone.

Floto, who is described as homeless on his arrest report, has been charged with robbery. He has juvenile criminal convictions between 2008 and 2010 and two adult felony convictions (both violent). He was arrested in January 2024 for stabbing his roommate and later sentenced to nine months in jail (with credit for nine months served), followed by three years of probation; adjudication of guilt was withheld. The terms of his probation require him to complete outpatient treatment at Meridian. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $50,000 and ordered a mental health evaluation.

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.