MICANOPY, Fla. – In a twist of fate, a young man from Williston, Charles Thomas Smith, aged 22, found himself in handcuffs after being accused of breaking into a home in Micanopy and making off with three firearms.

The incident unfolded at approximately 5 p.m. on December 16, when the victim’s father made a routine visit to his child’s home. He noticed something amiss: the motorcycle belonging to the victim had been suspiciously relocated behind a cluster of large trees. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the home had been burglarized. Concerned, the victim directed his father to take inventory of the firearms, fearing they might be missing. His suspicions were confirmed when his father discovered that two pistols and a rifle had vanished.

While an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy was on the scene investigating the initial burglary, a new call came in, reporting another break-in just a mile away. Responding swiftly, the deputy arrived at the second location where the homeowner was confronted with a chaotic scene. Her belongings were scattered, and she stumbled upon items unfamiliar to her, including two firearms. This discovery was alarming, as the deputy also found ammunition corresponding to the stolen handguns and a magazine that matched the rifle taken in the earlier theft.

After being apprehended, Smith was read his Miranda rights. During questioning, he confessed to invading the first home and pilfering the three guns. He also admitted to attempting to steal the motorcycle, though he ultimately failed in that endeavor. Smith’s admissions have now led to his arrest, as investigators piece together the events of this audacious crime spree.

Post Miranda, Smith admitted to entering the first victim’s home and taking three guns; he also reportedly admitted that he had attempted to steal the motorcycle “but failed to do so.”

Smith has been charged with armed burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. He has a juvenile conviction from 2016, one adult felony conviction (violent), and one adult misdemeanor conviction (violent); he recently served an 18-month sentence for aggravated assault after failing to successfully complete his term of probation and was released from prison on January 1, 2025.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered him held without bail 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.

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.