Report by Staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have taken 20-year-old Brayden James Merrill into custody in the early hours today. Merrill faces multiple charges, including making threats against a police officer, driving under the influence, grand theft auto, and operating a vehicle without a license.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on February 28, a Gainesville Police Department officer observed a car speeding along SW 13th Street. The officer recorded the vehicle moving at 55 mph in a 45 mph zone and noted it was still accelerating away. The driver also changed lanes twice without signaling. This prompted the officer to initiate a traffic stop, and the vehicle came to a halt at 2701 SW 13th Street.

Upon stopping, the driver, later identified as Merrill, exited the vehicle and questioned the reason for the stop. Despite repeated instructions to remain inside the vehicle, Merrill continued to step out, prompting the officer to direct him to the front of the patrol car.

The officer informed Merrill of the speeding violation, to which he reportedly responded, asserting the speed limit was 55 mph. The officer observed that Merrill appeared unsteady on his feet, had watery and swollen eyes, and there was a noticeable smell of alcohol on his breath. When asked for his birth date, Merrill repeatedly gave his last name and persistently asked questions that had already been addressed by the officer.

As backup officers arrived, Merrill reportedly grew more agitated, removed his jacket, and declared, “Imma beat your [expletive].” Once in custody, he allegedly intensified his threats, claiming he would have an officer killed, would personally kill the officer, and harm the officer’s family.

Merrill reportedly said he did not have permission to drive the vehicle he had been driving, so officers should charge him with grand theft auto. An officer contacted the registered owner of the car, who said she did not know Merrill was driving her car and he did not have permission to drive her car.

Because Merrill reportedly said he would fight officers if his handcuffs were removed, field sobriety tests were not performed. After he was read the implied consent statement, he allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.

Merrill has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, assault on a police officer, driving under the influence, and driving without a valid license. He has one local conviction for driving without a valid license from a July 2025 incident. Information on his bail and release conditions will be available on Monday.

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.