GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mitchell Lee Jones, 36, and David Michael Morgan, 39, were arrested after authorities said they stole approximately $300 worth of oxtail and fled from police. Jones also faces a burglary charge after officers allegedly found him hiding inside an enclosed lanai in the Haystacks area.
According to a Gainesville Police Department report, the incident began around 11:45 a.m. October 16 at Enson Market, located at 3045 SW 34th Street. Jones allegedly took 10 bags of frozen oxtail and headed toward a tan Jeep Wrangler driven by Morgan. Two store employees followed him and pulled away the shopping cart before he could place the groceries inside the vehicle.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Jones arguing with the employees as he left the store before making his way to the Jeep’s passenger side. Morgan allegedly began driving as Jones attempted to get inside, but Jones eventually entered the vehicle. Investigators were able to clearly identify the Jeep’s license plate on the video.
An officer later spotted the tan Jeep traveling along Archer Road and attempted to pull it over. The vehicle stopped near a red light, but police said Morgan accelerated away after the officer exited her patrol car and instructed him to shut off the engine.
The officer followed from a safe distance as the Jeep entered the Haystacks neighborhood. When she moved closer, two men reportedly abandoned the vehicle and ran. The officer said Jones was carrying a Publix shopping basket and a black backpack; both items were later found in the area.
Police said Jones ran into a secured residence. As the officer approached, she lost sight of him and stopped at the doorway while waiting for backup. She reported hearing no sounds suggesting that anyone inside the home was being disturbed.
A police K-9 team subsequently tracked Jones to another residence. Officers reportedly found him concealed inside a closet located in an enclosed lanai attached to the home.
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The Publix basket allegedly held six packages of pork chops valued at $48.65. Publix officials reportedly declined to pursue criminal charges.
Investigators said the black backpack contained three packages of New York strip steaks and one package of short ribs from Sam’s Club, with a combined value of $211.09. Sam’s Club indicated that it wanted to pursue charges, though those charges remain pending while authorities investigate when the items were taken.
After being read his Miranda rights, Morgan reportedly told officers he had been driving Jones around but did not know what Jones was doing. He later said he felt compelled to drive Jones while he carried out those actions. When asked whether he feared for his life or had another reason for helping Jones, Morgan reportedly replied that it was a long story. He also allegedly acknowledged fleeing from the officer.
Jones, whose listed address is GRACE Marketplace, was charged with petit theft in connection with the oxtail allegations and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling. Court records indicated that, as of last fall, he had seven nonviolent felony convictions and five nonviolent misdemeanor convictions. He previously served a state prison sentence and was released in 2020. Jones is also the subject of a sworn complaint alleging fleeing and drug possession after a September 12 detention by Gainesville police that ended with his transport to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Judge Kristine Van Vorst set his bail at $125,000.
Morgan faces charges of fleeing law enforcement, resisting an officer without violence and petit theft. His last documented contact with the Alachua County court system, in October 2024, showed three felony convictions, including one violent offense, along with six nonviolent misdemeanor convictions. Records also reflected federal cases from 2011 and 2012 and a North Carolina history spanning 2011 through 2018. Judge Van Vorst set Morgan’s bail at $125,000.