Staff Report
Note: This article was updated on November 30 to correct the age of Seth Smart, which was previously misstated in the arrest documents.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours of this morning, 42-year-old Seth Thomas Smart was taken into custody on suspicion of attempting to burglarize a vehicle and a residence, as well as causing damage to a fence.
At approximately 12:23 a.m. on November 29, an officer from the Gainesville Police Department was dispatched to a residence on SE 9th Street, located near East University Avenue. The homeowner reported that a white male, dressed in a red hoodie, had tried to break into their car.
The residents recounted that they heard the individual attempting to enter their home and threatening, “I’m going to kill your dogs.” He also reportedly made efforts to get inside a car parked in their driveway.
Upon arrival, the officer discovered Smart on the property, positioned near the side of the house.
Wooden pieces from the victims’ damaged fence were also reportedly found scattered on the ground.
Post Miranda, Smart reportedly said he was in downtown Gainesville and mentioned being at a nightclub. When the officer asked whether the home looked like a nightclub, Smart reportedly did not respond; when asked about whether he had threatened to kill the victims’ dogs, Smart reportedly said, “No comment.”
Smart has been charged with attempted burglary of an occupied dwelling, attempted burglary of an unoccupied vehicle, and misdemeanor property damage. He has no local criminal history, and Judge Adam Lee set bail at $50,000.
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.
