Man on pre-trial release arrested for trying to steal bicycle from covered porch

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Earl Larrenzo Fossett, 22, was arrested yesterday morning and charged with attempted burglary after he allegedly tried to take a bicycle from a covered porch.

A Gainesville Police Department officer responded to a call at Lark Gainesville about a man trespassing on the property who reached into the covered back porch of an apartment and tried to take a bicycle; the bicycle was secured with a U-lock, so he was unsuccessful.

The officer noted that the bicycle was covered in pollen except for a hand-sized clear area that was consistent with the way the caller described the incident.

Post Miranda, Fossett reportedly admitted being at the apartment complex but denied trying to take the bicycle. He has been charged with attempted burglary.

Fossett, who is from Ocala, was previously arrested at Alight Apartments on December 7, 2022, for charging his phone on residents’ balconies. On January 18, he was found incompetent to proceed with trial and was transported to the Meridian Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Unit for treatment, with a requirement that Court Services supervise his treatment upon release. The order found that he did not meet the criteria for commitment to a Department of Children and Families facility because he was charged with a misdemeanor.

Fossett is described as homeless and has one misdemeanor conviction, along with an unspecified out-of-county criminal history. Judge Aymer “Buck” Curtin set bail at $10,000.

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.