Compiled by the Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – An unsettling incident unfolded in the early hours today involving Tiffany R. Tackett, 43, who now faces allegations of theft and resistance to law enforcement. The scene was set at a CVS on Archer Road, where Tackett reportedly went behind the store’s counter, seizing four cans of compressed air before engaging in a scuffle with the police officers who attempted to arrest her.
Reports from a Gainesville Police Department officer detail that Tackett entered the CVS located at 3404 SW Archer Road around 4:10 a.m. on November 17. With a used CVS bag in hand, she approached the register and placed approximately $4 on the counter. When prompted by an employee if she needed assistance, Tackett allegedly disregarded the inquiry and headed toward the refrigerator area.
However, rather than reaching for a chilled item, Tackett reportedly veered into a restricted space marked “For Employees Only.” Despite being told by a CVS staff member that the area was off-limits, Tackett allegedly proceeded to push the employee, causing her to fall and sustain a bruise and abrasion. In the chaos, she reportedly managed to grab four cans of Dust-Off compressed air before exiting the store.
Authorities soon located Tackett at a nearby Starbucks on 3524 SW Archer Road. As officers approached, she reportedly attempted to evade them by retreating into a corner and refused to cooperate. During the encounter, Tackett allegedly struggled against being handcuffed and was seen inhaling from one of the stolen compressed air cans.
Following her arrest, Tackett chose not to respond to police questioning after being read her Miranda rights.
Tackett, whose address is listed as GRACE Marketplace, has been charged with robbery, resisting an officer without violence, and inhaling a controlled substance. She has two felony convictions (non-violent) and 20 misdemeanor convictions (one violent) and has active arrest warrants in Ohio and Texas. She was arrested in September for stealing a tip jar, served 30 days in jail after entering a plea of nolo contendere, and was released on October 24. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $60,000 on the new charges.
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.
