Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – John Daniel Jones, 40, was arrested yesterday after allegedly breaking into a home near Parker Elementary by breaking a glass door; Jones reportedly said he went into the home to escape the “incoming air strike” and said he was being tracked by devices implanted under his skin.

At about 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jones allegedly broke the lower window of a glass door to enter the home in the 1800 block of NW 7th Avenue, which was unoccupied at the time. He also allegedly tried to pry open a different door with a metal pole, but a security chain defeated the attempt. Once inside the home, Jones allegedly stole a shirt and damaged a mirror. The victim reportedly did not know Jones.

Post Miranda, Jones reportedly said he went into the home to escape the “incoming air strike” and said he was being tracked by devices implanted under his skin.

Jones has been charged with burglary of an unoccupied residence. He has no local criminal history but has an out-of-state history between 2003 and 2006 and out-of-county charges between 2006 and 2020. Judge Bo Bayer set bail at $15,000 and ordered a mental health evaluation. Judge Bayer also appointed a public defender but noted on the First Appearance Order that Jones said God would defend him.

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.