Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Douglas Alexander Strain, 23, was arrested yesterday and charged with six felonies after allegedly breaking into an apartment, punching a family member, and fleeing from deputies with a child in the car.

Strain allegedly arrived at a family member’s apartment yesterday and was denied entry; he had previously moved out of the apartment at the request of the victim. When the victim said he couldn’t come in, Strain allegedly went to the rear of the apartment and broke in by breaking a glass window in the door. When the victim tried to call 911, Strain allegedly took her cell phone, threw her to the ground, and punched her several times in the face. The victim reportedly lost consciousness, and suffered several obvious injuries.

Strain then told a 12-year-old relative to get in his car, and he drove away. Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and reportedly saw him leaving, but Strain allegedly refused to stop. The responding deputies reported that Strain’s actions placed the general public and the juvenile victim in danger. During the pursuit, the juvenile victim reportedly told Strain that deputies were behind him, and Strain reportedly said he was trying to keep him safe.

Strain eventually lost control of the car and crashed. Deputies took Strain into custody and provided medical aid to the juvenile victim.

Post Miranda, Strain reportedly made statements that were inconsistent with the evidence and statements from witnesses. When challenged about those statements, he reportedly asked to have a lawyer present.

Strain was previously arrested in 2022 for stealing a backpack from a student at Library West, but the charge was later dropped; he has no other local criminal history. He is currently being held without bond.

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.