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Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mekhi Malik Jantawi, 19, of Tampa, and Richard Leroy Kohn III, 19, of Fleming Island, were arrested early this morning and charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest after allegedly climbing a fence into the Buick GMC property.
At about 2 a.m., Gainesville Police Department officers responded to a call about two people seen on surveillance cameras at the business at 2101 N. Main Street; the caller said the two men had climbed a fence to get into the secured compound.
Officers reportedly saw the two suspects trying to hide near an oak tree within the property, and they were told to get on the ground but instead allegedly ran toward the southeast exit. Both suspects were apprehended after a short foot chase.
A search incident to arrest reportedly produced a drill, pliers, and other tools “for the stated purpose of removing vehicle bumpers.”
Post Miranda, both men reportedly declined to answer any questions.
Jantawi has no adult criminal convictions in Alachua County or Hillsborough County. Judge Phillip Pena set his bail at $30,000.
Kohn has no adult criminal convictions in Alachua County but is on probation in Clay County for carrying a concealed firearm. Judge Pena set his bail at $45,000.
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.