Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have apprehended Taurus Cordarryl Duncan, 36, following a warrant issued for his arrest in connection with a home invasion robbery. The arrest took place yesterday after Duncan allegedly attempted to evade police.

The incident traces back to December 6 at approximately 5:15 p.m., when Duncan and a woman he was dating reportedly got into a heated argument. After she requested him to leave her home, he initially complied. However, about 10 minutes later, Duncan allegedly returned, forcibly kicking open her door and causing $500 in damage. Once inside, he reportedly demanded the return of gifts, forcibly removing a necklace from her neck and a wig from her head before discarding them on the floor. Duncan allegedly threatened to return, prompting the Gainesville Police Department to file a sworn complaint. He faced charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling, unarmed home invasion robbery, and domestic battery, leading to the issuance of the arrest warrant.

The subsequent pursuit unfolded on December 17, around 12:41 p.m., when a GPD officer identified Duncan driving along East University Avenue’s 3000 block. Despite the officer activating lights and sirens, Duncan initially halted but soon sped off, disregarding multiple stop signs in the process.

Duncan’s vehicle was eventually located outside a duplex on NE 21st Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing him dash into an apartment. When confronted by an officer at the back door, Duncan retreated inside. As reinforcements surrounded the building, he attempted to escape through a window but was ultimately captured after a brief chase.

Duncan has been charged with fleeing with lights and sirens active and resisting an officer without violence for the December 17 incident.

Duncan, a registered Sexual Offender, has four felony convictions (one sexual offense with a juvenile victim); he has served two state prison sentences and was released in 2017. He is on probation in Bradford County. Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered him held without bail on the burglary and home invasion charges, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing. Judge Ramsey set bail at $60,000 on the other charges.

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.