By Staff Correspondent
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Early yesterday morning, 25-year-old Joseph Colin Barnes found himself in handcuffs after allegedly vandalizing a barbershop by kicking and shattering its glass door, resulting in damages estimated at $8,000.
On May 1st, a police officer from the Gainesville Police Department was dispatched to a barbershop situated near the intersection of SW 2nd Avenue and West University Avenue. Upon arrival, the barbershop owner reported discovering his front door broken and glass scattered across the sidewalk.
The owner expressed bewilderment, stating he had no known enemies or disgruntled parties who might target his business. In response, the officer canvassed nearby establishments to gather surveillance footage.
Although the barbershop lacked security cameras, another local business owner offered footage from his cameras, capturing a white male of medium build with short hair attempting to enter a different nearby establishment.
The officer observed from the surveillance video that the individual was seen tugging at door handles and kicking the glass doors of multiple businesses along the strip. In the footage, the man’s legs are visibly seen as he stands against the barbershop’s door, repeatedly kicking the glass.
On May 2, the same officer responded to a call at a nearby business to report that “a male who takes things [was] currently at their location.” The description of the man matched the suspect on the May 1 surveillance video, and the May 2 caller gave the officer a picture of the suspect.
The officer reportedly found Barnes standing on the median at NW 36th Drive and West University Avenue and detained him.
Post Miranda, Barnes reportedly did not want to answer any questions.
Barnes has been charged with felony property damage. He has one felony conviction (non-violent) and two misdemeanor convictions (one violent), and he is on probation for attempted armed robbery. He violated his probation in December 2025 and was sentenced in January to 187 days in jail with credit for 187 days served, with his probation reinstated after his release. Judge Adam Lee set bail at $50,000 on the new charge; he has not yet been charged with violating probation.
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
