GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Fernando Devonn Bradford, 54, was arrested last night after he allegedly climbed through a window into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment.
Around 10:50 p.m. on September 25, the woman’s sister was alone inside the apartment when she heard noises coming from a bedroom. Fearing that someone had entered, she fled to a neighboring apartment and asked residents to call 911. She told officers she had not heard anyone knock on the front door or announce their presence.
A Gainesville Police Department officer who responded found a chair positioned beneath an open front window. A light bulb removed from the fixture outside the front door was also discovered near the chair.
After being read his Miranda rights, Bradford reportedly told police he had returned to the apartment while his ex-girlfriend was at work to collect belongings he left behind after moving out in March. He allegedly acknowledged removing the front-door light bulb so he would not be seen climbing through the window, then moving the chair into position to gain entry.
The officer also reported finding a bag near the apartment’s front door. Although it contained some of Bradford’s clothing, Bradford reportedly said the bag did not belong to him, and the beers inside were not his either.
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Bradford reportedly said he had been drinking before going to the apartment. The officer said Bradford smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and had foam at the corners of his mouth.
Bradford, a designated violent felony offender of special concern, faces two counts of burglary of an occupied dwelling. His record includes four felony convictions, including two violent felonies, as well as four nonviolent misdemeanor convictions. He has served three state prison sentences, with his most recent release occurring in 1997. Bradford is currently on probation following a 2024 arrest for battery on a person over 65.
Judge George Wright ordered Bradford held without bail while the court considers a motion by the State Attorney’s Office seeking to keep him jailed without bail until trial. If the motion is denied, bail will be set at that hearing.