Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have taken Shivaun Moss Solomon Blake, 37, into custody following accusations of bicycle theft in front of a police officer.
According to a Gainesville Police Department account, the incident unfolded around 4:22 p.m. on May 21, when the bicycle’s owner temporarily left the bike unattended at a shopping center located at 1355 NW 23rd Avenue. The officer quickly apprehended Blake after he had traveled approximately 300 yards on the stolen bike.
Blake allegedly informed the officer that he took the bicycle despite their presence because he assumed they were occupied with more pressing matters. He intended to sell the bike for $10.
The officer assessed the bicycle’s value at approximately $1,200.
Blake faces charges of felony petit theft due to having two or more previous theft convictions. His criminal record includes one non-violent felony conviction and six non-violent misdemeanor convictions. He is currently on pre-trial release for a separate February incident involving the theft of around $400 worth of goods from a Walgreens, for which he was released on his recognizance. Additionally, Blake is under investigation for two February shoplifting cases, where he allegedly stole 31 items from a 7-11 and later returned to take beer and wine. Charges have yet to be officially filed for these incidents. Judge Bo Bayer has set his bail at $5,000 for the bicycle theft charge.
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.
