Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dakota Austin Buncik, 25, of Trenton, and Dana Ray Lanham, 50, of Otter Creek were arrested early this morning on various charges related to a deputy’s suspicions that they were planning to steal scrap metal.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy was conducting a business check at TJ Maxx on NW 76th Blvd when he saw two vehicles enter the parking lot and drive behind the business, near the loading dock. The deputy reported that he first saw Lanham, dressed in “full camouflage,” standing near the trunk of a car and Buncik standing near a van, trying to hide from the deputy.

Post Miranda, both reportedly explained that they were looking for scrap metal by the dumpster, but the deputy reported that the nearest dumpster was on the other side of a chain link fence and down an embankment towards a hotel.

The deputy reportedly saw two walkie-talkies in plain view in the van, plugged into a charger. He also reported finding two pairs of wire cutters and a large flashlight. Buncik reportedly said the walkie-talkies are used by his children and are not used when he looks for metal.

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The deputy also reportedly saw a loaded handgun in Lanham’s car, between the driver’s seat and the center console. He also reportedly found numerous bolt cutters, wire cutters, and an LED headlamp in the car. Lanham reportedly admitted driving the car and said he knew the gun was in the car, although he is a convicted felon. Lanham also reportedly admitted that he uses the walkie-talkies to look for scrap metal while driving the car.

Buncik has been charged with loitering/prowling and possession of burglary tools. He has 11 felony convictions (none violent) and two misdemeanor convictions (none violent). He has a pending charge of driving without a valid license in Levy County. Judge Mark Moseley set bail at $10,500.

Lanham has been charged with loitering/prowling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of burglary tools. He has four felony convictions (one violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (two violent) and has pending drug charges in Dixie County. Judge Moseley set bail at $12,000.

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.