Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Ivan Kinwang Ma and James Shaw Tan, both 18, were arrested early this morning in connection with the alleged theft of an e-scooter from a University of Florida parking garage. Ma also faces a separate allegation involving an e-scooter taken from Gator Corner Dining Hall.
According to a University of Florida Police Department officer, surveillance video showed Tan and Ma in Garage 4 at approximately 11:46 p.m. on October 18. The pair allegedly spent about 40 minutes handling an e-scooter before removing its cable lock and cupholder. The video reportedly then showed Tan riding the scooter east along Museum Road to Honors Village, where he lives. At the residence, he allegedly secured the scooter to a bike rack with his own cable lock. Removing the cupholder reportedly caused damage to the e-scooter.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Tan reportedly told officers that he and Ma had stolen the e-scooter.
After receiving his Miranda warning, Ma reportedly said he had stolen the e-scooter from Garage 4, though he claimed he acted alone. He also allegedly admitted taking another e-scooter from Gator Corner Dining Hall and bringing it to his residence in Riker Hall. Ma reportedly directed officers to the scooter’s location, where its serial number matched the number provided by the victim. He also reportedly gave officers the code needed to unlock it.
Tan faces charges of petit theft and misdemeanor property damage.
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Ma faces two counts of petit theft along with a misdemeanor property damage charge.
Both defendants told Justice Support Services, formerly known as Court Services, that they are University of Florida students who have lived in Alachua County for about three months. Neither has a criminal history. Judge Joy Danne ordered both men released on their 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.
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