GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dennis Miles Hale, 43, was arrested after investigators accused him of taking a pickup truck in an alleged effort to collect money he said he was owed.
According to a Gainesville Police Department report, the alleged incident happened September 25 in Pineridge. The victim told an officer he was sitting in his 2022 Dodge Ram with a woman identified as “Meagan” when a man he knew as “Dennis” approached and demanded, “Give me my money.” The victim said he owed Hale approximately $500.
The victim alleged that Hale opened the driver’s door and pulled Meagan from the truck. Hale then reportedly went around to the passenger side, removed the victim and drove away in the Dodge Ram. The victim said he did not know either Dennis’ last name or how to reach him, but he was able to provide police with a description. He also said he did not know Meagan’s last name or contact information.
The pickup truck was found October 11 on SW Archer Road, where deputies conducted a traffic stop. Hale was reportedly behind the wheel and was the vehicle’s only occupant.
After being read his Miranda rights, Hale reportedly told investigators that the victim owed him $4,000 and knew his last name, phone number and home address. Hale said a woman he knew as “Lil bit” had picked him up in the truck about two weeks earlier. When they arrived in Pineridge, he said the victim saw them inside the vehicle. Hale reportedly claimed he switched places with the woman and took the driver’s seat, while the victim smiled and said nothing.
Hale also reportedly said the victim later called him to ask whether they could resolve the dispute. Hale said the victim needed to repay the money, but never asked him to return the truck and had not contacted him again after the alleged incident.
Hale faces a charge of grand theft of a motor vehicle. Court records show 16 previous nonviolent felony convictions and one nonviolent misdemeanor conviction. He has served two state prison terms, most recently being released in 2022. Judge Lua Lepianka set bail at $10,000.