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Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours today, 20-year-old Brayden James Merrill was taken into custody. He faces multiple charges including threatening a police officer, driving under the influence, grand theft of a vehicle, and operating a vehicle without a license.
Around 3:30 a.m. on February 28, a Gainesville Police Department officer noticed a vehicle speeding along SW 13th Street. The officer tracked the car at 55 mph in a 45 mph zone, observing it accelerating away. Additionally, the driver switched lanes twice without signaling. This prompted the officer to initiate a traffic stop, bringing the vehicle to a halt at 2701 SW 13th Street.
Upon stopping, the driver, identified as Merrill, exited the vehicle and questioned why he was being pulled over. Despite repeated instructions to remain inside, he persisted in getting out. Consequently, the officer directed him to the front of the patrol car.
During their exchange, Merrill argued that the speed limit was actually 55 mph. The officer observed that Merrill was unsteady on his feet, with bloodshot eyes and a noticeable smell of alcohol on his breath. When asked for his birth date, Merrill repeatedly responded with his last name and continued to ask questions that had already been answered.
As other officers arrived, Merrill reportedly became more agitated, took off his jacket, and said, “Imma beat your [expletive].” He was taken into custody, where he allegedly escalated the threats, saying he would have an officer killed by other people, he would kill the officer, and he would have the officer’s family killed.
Merrill reportedly said he did not have permission to drive the vehicle he had been driving, so officers should charge him with grand theft auto. An officer contacted the registered owner of the car, who said she did not know Merrill was driving her car and he did not have permission to drive her car.
Because Merrill reportedly said he would fight officers if his handcuffs were removed, field sobriety tests were not performed. After he was read the implied consent statement, he allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.
Merrill has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, assault on a police officer, driving under the influence, and driving without a valid license. He has one local conviction for driving without a valid license from a July 2025 incident. Information on his bail and release conditions will be available on Monday.
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.