Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kelly Jenette Brooker, a 44-year-old resident of Hawthorne, faces felony charges for allegedly causing deliberate damage to the security gate at Eastside High School using her vehicle.
On the morning of October 23, at approximately 9:36 a.m., the School Resource Deputy at the high school was alerted to an incident involving a vehicle breaching the front security gate on the campus’s northern side. The deputy noted that the gate is routinely secured with a chain once school commences at 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival, he discovered a car halted in front of the gate on school grounds.
The individual behind the wheel identified herself as Brooker, explaining that she had forced the gate open with her car in an attempt to reach Hawthorne City Hall. She acknowledged being aware that the gate was both closed and locked at the time.
The damage inflicted on the gate was estimated to cost around $3,000.
After being informed of her rights under Miranda, Brooker reportedly confessed to intentionally using her car to breach the gate and access the school premises.
Brooker has been charged with felony property damage and driving without a valid license. She has four misdemeanor convictions (all traffic), including a DUI conviction that resulted in the revocation of her license. Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered her released on her own recognizance.
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.
