Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gabino Pacheco, 30, was arrested yesterday and charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting at the vehicle of his ex-girlfriend’s brother.

At about 5 a.m. on March 5, Gainesville Police Department officers responded to Madison on 20th Apartments (4000 SW 17th Lane), where the victim said he was driving out of the parking area in his pickup truck when a man ran out in front of his truck. He said the man told him to get out, but he refused, and after several similar demands, the man pulled a handgun from his waistband. The victim said that when the man pointed the gun at him, he feared for his life, reversed the truck, and then drove forward around the man. He said the man shot at him as he drove away, hitting the rear bumper.

The responding officer requested a Spanish-speaking officer to obtain more information; the investigation found that the victim’s sister, who lives in Mexico, had recently broken up with Pacheco. On February 25, Pacheco allegedly began sending messages to the victim, saying they needed to talk. The messages reportedly became more threatening, and the victim blocked Pacheco on February 26 after Pacheco allegedly threatened to find him and bring friends to “get him.” The messages also reportedly claimed that Pacheco had been to the victim’s residence and knew he was home.

The victim said he had never met Pacheco and didn’t know much about him, but the Spanish-speaking officer found a witness who knew Pacheco and was able to get Pacheco’s home address and a photo. The photo was placed into a line-up, and the victim positively identified Pacheco’s photo in a line-up conducted by an independent administrator.

A warrant for Pacheco’s arrest was issued, and he was arrested yesterday morning at his residence in Oak Park Mobile Home Park.

Pacheco has been charged with attempted homicide. He has no criminal convictions in Florida but has an active warrant out of Minnesota and an unspecified federal history. Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered him held without bond pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial, and an “ICE hold” has been placed on him. Judge Miller-Jones also ordered him to relinquish his passport if he is released.

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.