Homeless man arrested for stealing dozens of cans of compressed air from Walmart over several days
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Bradley Wells Miller, 54, was arrested yesterday and charged with felony petit theft (third or subsequent offense), inhaling harmful chemicals, and providing false identification information to law enforcement after allegedly stealing over 60 cans of compressed air from Walmart over three days.
A Gainesville Police Department officer responded to the Walmart in Butler Plaza at about 9:30 a.m. yesterday after the store reported that Miller had shoplifted 23 items, including five 2-packs of compressed air. The store’s Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) reportedly stopped Miller at the exit and recovered some of the items, but the store reported that the stolen items were valued at $306.50. The responding officer reportedly found Miller along the side of the building and watched him inhale from a can of compressed air.
After the officer detained him, Miller reportedly said his name was Gabriel Graves and gave a fake birthdate; he later provided his real name and social security number, enabling law enforcement to identify him.
Post Miranda, he reportedly said the false name was the first one that came to his mind; he admitted stealing the items and said he inhales compressed air because he is homeless and depressed.
While investigating that incident, the LPO told the officer that Miller had stolen 54 cans of compressed air on July 6 and July 7. The value of the stolen items was reportedly $405.28.
Miller has one felony conviction (none violent) and five misdemeanor convictions (none violent). He served an 18-month prison sentence for leaving the scene of a crash with injury in Alachua County and was released in 2007. Bail information is unavailable on weekends.
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.Â
“Put it in a can and they’ll inhale it.”
I’m depressed at how deteriorated the city has become under liberal leadership but I’m not stealing cans of air. Take him to Poe or Ward’s house. They’ve proven they’re very proficient at sniffing things.
Watch out your christian values are showing.
Sorry it hurt your delicate feelings…NOT.
It’s unfortunate that the welcome signs stay lit all the time in Gainesville. Why don’t you show everyone how much love you have for every homeless, stray cat in town and give ’em care.
You are certainly correct, Gainesville attracts homeless and criminals looking for a place to play, steal, ride busses free and eat free. All brought on by the radical dem libs like Poe, santos, Ward – all failures in any profession (not a thing to be proud of – their high point being elected to a $40k part-time job while they had no other paid position or were let go from the other (Poe).
I wonder if he has any braincells left. You can look at his eyes and tell no one’s home.
Maybe the victims of these crimes committed by homeless and dopers welcomed by the City Commissioners could sent the bills for their losses to the welcoming City of Gainesville for repayment. Maybe they wouldn’t be so welcoming of the dregs of society then.
City Hall is full of hypocrites. The homeless aren’t permitted to loiter in and around City Hall despite the “welcome” city leaders have given to them. Take a walk down the sidewalks and see other entrances to buildings and you’ll see where some have taken up residence.
Why is this happening?
The city normalizing intoxication by having no open container law and prioritizing the profits of drinking establishments over everyone’s safety certainly isn’t helping. “Neighbors” should be encouraged to stay clean, sober, and healthy.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste but I’m afraid his is already wasted.
This is sad.