Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities took Una’dreen Jones, 48, into custody yesterday following allegations of purse theft in the downtown area, where the victim was busy capturing photos with friends.

According to a Gainesville Police Department officer, the incident unfolded around 3:35 p.m. on November 15. A bystander reportedly saw Jones seize the purse while the victim was preoccupied taking pictures near the junction of S. Main Street and 4th Avenue. The alert witness, along with the victim, pursued Jones and alerted authorities. Upon the arrival of an officer, they provided a detailed description, leading to Jones’ identification and subsequent detention.

Jones, identified as homeless in the arrest documentation, faces charges of petit theft. Her criminal record includes two non-violent felony convictions and five non-violent misdemeanor convictions.

This marks her third arrest since June. On June 24, she faced charges for attempting to open car doors at a Wawa location (1007 E. University Avenue). Then, on August 14, she was apprehended again while trying to enter a locked charter school with students inside. Following this second arrest, she was directed to Mental Health Court. However, the evaluation suggested that her symptoms and behaviors would likely hinder her participation in traditional talk therapy. By September 24, she had submitted a plea of nolo contendere for both earlier incidents and received a sentence equivalent to time served.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst has ordered her release 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.