Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Thomas A. Masterson, 47, of New Jersey, was arrested yesterday after allegedly trying to break into an apartment.

On the evening of August 9 at around 8:39 p.m., an officer from the Gainesville Police Department was called to Greenwich Green (located at 3515 SW 39th Blvd). The victim reported coming home to find Masterson attempting to turn her door knob and, when the door wouldn’t open, he tried to force it open by ramming his shoulder into it.

According to the victim, Masterson had been banned from her apartment earlier that day and was fully aware that he was not allowed on the premises. The responding officer confirmed that Masterson is neither listed on the lease nor does he have a key to the apartment.

The victim recounted seeing Masterson walk around her building and attempt to pry open a window. When another person passed by, Masterson reportedly ran to the back of the building to avoid detection. The officer remarked that attempting to open a window in such a manner is not typical unless seeking unlawful entry.

The victim said she did not try to stop Masterson from entering her apartment because he was drunk and has been physically aggressive in the past.

Post Miranda, Masterson reportedly declined to say anything.

Masterson, residing in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, now faces charges of attempted burglary and trespassing following a prior warning. He has no prior criminal record in the area. Judge Kristine Van Vorst has set his bail at $25,000.

Reports about arrests are derived from law enforcement agencies’ accounts. The mentioned charges are from arrest documents and/or court records and are merely allegations. Every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.