By Staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 20-year-old Newberry resident, Kendall James Dacosta, found himself in police custody yesterday after a chase involving a motorcycle without a license plate. During his arrest, authorities reportedly discovered a firearm linked to a theft in Miami Gardens.

The incident unfolded around 7:46 a.m. on November 4, when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper noticed a motorcycle maneuvering on the sidewalk along NW 39th Avenue, between NW 34th Street and NW 43rd Street. Heavy traffic in the area was attributed to an earlier accident at the NW 39th Avenue and NW 34th Street junction.

As the trooper attempted to approach the motorcyclist, the rider allegedly veered onto the road from the sidewalk. Observing the absence of a tag, the trooper signaled for the motorcyclist to stop, using lights and sirens. However, instead of complying, the motorcyclist reportedly swerved through lanes of immobilized traffic and rode over the median, only halting when traffic made further evasion impossible.

Once apprehended, the driver was identified as Dacosta, who reportedly admitted to having a handgun tucked in his waistband. This weapon was later confirmed to be stolen from Miami Gardens.

Dacosta now faces charges of grand theft of a firearm, noting a prior conviction for a similar offense, fleeing from law enforcement with active lights and sirens, and operating an unregistered vehicle. Additionally, he received a citation for riding on the sidewalk. His record includes an unspecified juvenile conviction from 2022 and a previous adult traffic offense. Judge Meshon Rawls has set his bail at $26,000.

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.