Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two men, Aamir Jalil Sims, 30, from Gainesville, and Irving Enrique Vinales-Soto, 59, from Hawthorne, were taken into custody early today. Vinales-Soto allegedly broke into a residence, stealing cash and a pickup truck, while Sims, who is currently on probation, was reportedly found with cocaine after being pulled over in the stolen vehicle.

Around 2:15 a.m. on November 8, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a call from a residence south of Hawthorne. The homeowner reported that Vinales-Soto had forced entry by pounding on a door with a pistol. The victim explained that Vinales-Soto had a romantic involvement with a woman employed at the residence, who frequently stayed overnight.

The homeowner recounted that Vinales-Soto, while brandishing the pistol, repeatedly inquired about the woman and demanded money. In response, the victim handed over approximately $500, after which Vinales-Soto seized the car keys and escaped in the pickup truck.

Later, at approximately 3:55 a.m., a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper, with the assistance of Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies, stopped the stolen pickup truck, finding Sims behind the wheel. Sims’ driver’s license had been suspended since September, and a search of the truck revealed a bag containing roughly 4.9 grams of crack cocaine at his feet.

Vinales-Soto, who was reportedly seated in the passenger seat, attempted to flee on foot during the traffic stop but was eventually caught. A search following his arrest uncovered approximately 2.8 grams of cocaine in his possession.

Post Miranda, Vinales-Soto reportedly admitted to entering the victim’s home by force, grabbing the victim’s keys, fleeing in the victim’s vehicle, and possessing “crack.”

Sims has been charged with cocaine possession and driving with a suspended driver’s license after a previous conviction for driving without a valid license. He has two felony convictions (non-violent) and is on probation for dealing in stolen property. Judge Denise Ferrero set bail at $7,500.

Vinales-Soto has been charged with armed home invasion robbery, aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, grand theft of a motor vehicle, and cocaine possession. He has no local criminal history, and his bail will be set on Sunday.

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.