By Staff Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have charged 63-year-old Kelly Nicholas Welch with burglary and property damage following allegations that he wrecked appliances in an apartment he was formerly evicted from, causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.

According to a report from the Gainesville Police Department, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. on November 15 at the Village Crossing Apartments, located at 501 SE 18th Street. The complex’s maintenance supervisor reportedly heard loud crashing sounds and a man yelling. Upon investigation, he allegedly witnessed Welch hurling objects from an unoccupied apartment.

The supervisor noted that Welch had been a tenant in the apartment until his eviction two weeks prior, which happened while Welch was incarcerated. Records show he was released from the Alachua County Jail on November 15. During the incident, Welch was reportedly shouting, “Why did you do this to me?” as he caused the damage.

Despite the supervisor’s efforts to get Welch to leave, Welch allegedly ignored the requests, continuing to shout and moving toward the supervisor. In response, the supervisor reportedly pushed Welch away, prompting him to flee the scene before police arrived.

The officer reported that the apartment was being renovated, and there were no items belonging to Welch in the apartment, so Welch had no reason to be there.

The supervisor reported that the refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and toilet fixtures were damaged beyond repair, and a closet, walls, and windows were damaged; two or three inches of water/sewage were on the floor. The damages could not be immediately estimated but were at least $15,000.

The officer reported that Welch probably entered the apartment by breaking a window because there was “a good amount of blood” near the window and on the walls.

Welch, who is described as homeless in the arrest report, has been charged with burglary and felony property damage. He has 23 felony convictions (two violent) and 42 misdemeanor convictions (one violent); he has served four state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2023. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $2,500.

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.