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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a startling incident that unfolded late last night, Lorenzo Leon Murray, aged 49, found himself in handcuffs after being accused of attempting to break into a car in a Gainesville neighborhood. This alarming event was reported near the 1200 block of NW 13th Street, where residents were taken by surprise by Murray’s actions.
The evening’s disturbance began around 10:16 p.m. on February 26 when a vigilant homeowner noticed a stranger trespassing in her yard. The unidentified man allegedly tried to open her car door, which was parked securely in a carport connected to her house. Fortunately, the car was locked, prompting the would-be intruder to retreat. The resident, who was inside her home at the time, quickly notified the Gainesville Police Department, providing them with surveillance footage that captured the entire incident.
However, the night’s events didn’t end there. Not long after the first attempt, the same individual reportedly gained access to another vehicle just a couple of blocks away. The homeowner in this case witnessed the suspect rummaging through belongings inside the car. Realizing he had been spotted, the man fled, leaving the scene before police could arrive.
Authorities were quick to respond and managed to locate Murray approximately nine blocks from the initial scene. His attire matched the description provided by the surveillance video, although officers noted he was missing a jacket, which they suspect he discarded while on the run.
Officers found Murray about nine blocks away from the first victim’s home, and his clothing reportedly matched the clothing of the man captured on surveillance video except that he was missing a jacket; officers believe that he discarded the jacket.
Murray gave consent for a search of his backpack, which reportedly contained baby diapers, baby wipes, and a set of keys; Murray reportedly could not explain why he had those items, and he did not know what the keys belonged to. The arresting officer reported that Murray probably stole the items from vehicles in the neighborhood during unreported burglaries.
Post Miranda, Murray reportedly denied entering or attempting to enter any vehicles but was unable to explain why he was in that neighborhood.
Murray has been charged with attempted burglary of an occupied dwelling and attempted burglary of a vehicle; the second victim did not want to press charges. He has 19 felony convictions (two violent) and 30 misdemeanor convictions (two violent) and has served seven state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2021 after serving a five-year sentence for burglary. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $40,000.
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.