Share and Follow
By Staff Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A family dispute over a modest $25 loan has led to the arrest of 41-year-old Alexander Ackerman McNeil, who is accused of inflicting significant damage on a relative’s vehicle.
On the morning of March 15, at approximately 10:26 a.m., an officer from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office arrived at an apartment complex in Linton Oaks. The visit followed a complaint from a resident who claimed McNeil had deliberately vandalized his car.
The incident reportedly began the previous evening when McNeil showed up unannounced at the victim’s apartment around 8:30 p.m. He allegedly banged on the door demanding repayment of the $25 he had lent. The victim, responding from an upstairs window, expressed disbelief at McNeil’s insistence over the sum. In response, McNeil allegedly threatened to damage the victim’s vehicle if the money was not returned. Shortly afterward, the victim heard noises outside and his girlfriend reportedly witnessed McNeil using a trash can to smash the car’s windshield and then attempting further damage with another trash can on the hood.
Following the incident, the victim texted McNeil at 2 a.m., questioning, “Why did you bust my window?” McNeil’s alleged reply was a stark warning: “You should never owe me again.”
The deputy reported that one side of the hood was completely caved in and there were six large impact starbursts on the windshield, bent metal trim on the windshield, and a scratch on the side of the car.
At about 1:45 p.m. on March 15, the deputy spoke with McNeil at his residence. Post Miranda, McNeil reportedly said he had been in St. Augustine until 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. on March 14. When he was asked whether he had damaged his relative’s car, he reportedly said he wasn’t sure if he had done it or not.
McNeil has been charged with felony property damage. He has one felony conviction (non-violent) and one misdemeanor conviction (non-violent); he served one three-year state prison and was released in 2024. Judge Meshon Rawls ordered him released on his own recognizance.
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.