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Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sonny Harold Attaguile, 37, was arrested yesterday and charged with burglary, grand theft, and possession of burglary tools after allegedly taking a $12,000 gravel bicycle from an open garage in Haile Plantation.
At about 3:53 p.m. yesterday, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a call about a stolen bicycle. The victim provided the deputy with surveillance video that reportedly showed Attaguile entering the open garage of his home and leaving with the bicycle.
Attaguile was located in the 8000 block of SW 24th Avenue, riding the victim’s bicycle. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and Attaguile reportedly looked back at the deputy before riding away; other deputies pulled in front of him, blocking his path.
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After deputies placed him in handcuffs, Attaguile reportedly stated spontaneously that he had found the bike. Post Miranda, he reportedly admitted taking the bike from an open garage; he said he walked over to the west side of Gainesville to find a bike because he was tired of walking everywhere.
A search of Attaguile’s backpack reportedly produced bolt cutters and other hand tools that can be used as burglary tools. He also reportedly had a large amount of jewelry, a leaf blower with its battery and charger, and several rare coins, along with a coin valuation book. Attaguile reportedly denied that the tools were used for criminal acts and said he found the leaf blower and its battery and charger “in the bushes.” Attaguile was reportedly surprised that he was being charged, saying, “Really, dude? It’s just a bike.”
Attaguile has been in the area for about six months and is unemployed, according to court documents. He has criminal convictions in Illinois and Hawaii, along with at least one conviction in another Florida county. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $65,000.
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.
