Pair arrested after failing to dispel deputy’s suspicion that they intended to steal scrap metal
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dakota Austin Buncik, 25, of Trenton, and Dana Ray Lanham, 50, of Otter Creek were arrested early this morning on various charges related to a deputy’s suspicions that they were planning to steal scrap metal.
An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy was conducting a business check at TJ Maxx on NW 76th Blvd when he saw two vehicles enter the parking lot and drive behind the business, near the loading dock. The deputy reported that he first saw Lanham, dressed in “full camouflage,” standing near the trunk of a car and Buncik standing near a van, trying to hide from the deputy.
Post Miranda, both reportedly explained that they were looking for scrap metal by the dumpster, but the deputy reported that the nearest dumpster was on the other side of a chain link fence and down an embankment towards a hotel.
The deputy reportedly saw two walkie-talkies in plain view in the van, plugged into a charger. He also reported finding two pairs of wire cutters and a large flashlight. Buncik reportedly said the walkie-talkies are used by his children and are not used when he looks for metal.
The deputy also reportedly saw a loaded handgun in Lanham’s car, between the driver’s seat and the center console. He also reportedly found numerous bolt cutters, wire cutters, and an LED headlamp in the car. Lanham reportedly admitted driving the car and said he knew the gun was in the car, although he is a convicted felon. Lanham also reportedly admitted that he uses the walkie-talkies to look for scrap metal while driving the car.
Buncik has been charged with loitering/prowling and possession of burglary tools. He has 11 felony convictions (none violent) and two misdemeanor convictions (none violent). He has a pending charge of driving without a valid license in Levy County. Judge Mark Moseley set bail at $10,500.
Lanham has been charged with loitering/prowling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of burglary tools. He has four felony convictions (one violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (two violent) and has pending drug charges in Dixie County. Judge Moseley set bail at $12,000.
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.Â
It’s difficult to imagine what motivates such small time crooks (as accused) , when with a tiny bit of effort they could get real, if low level, jobs and live quietly decent lives.
It’s a good chance that those jobs now go to women of color or people from south of the border. White, working men are not valued in this society any longer..
White, working men are doing more meth these days and not interested in working!
Are you speaking from experience?
Maybe you should try speaking from experience! You know nothing about being a woman of color, being from south of the border, or being a white working man!
Please understand Margaret
More convicted felons in possession of a firearm. Possession of a firearm in the commission of other crimes. Both with pending cases in other counties and we get low bail again. Both having multiple convictions. Alachua county makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.
Such enterprising initiative that could have been used in legitimate work, what went wrong with these summertime country folk?
A: climate change
Increased patrols are a valid request of citizens and merchants, the taxpayers whose earnings are squandered by Dem city lawyers and judges all year.
Fortunately, in the grand scheme of things, your opinion matters not.
Criminals Are Stupid! You CAN NOT FIX STUPID! Apparently they don’t know, up the parking lot, the area is a Breakfast hangout for the Sheriff Deputy’s! 😎
25 and 11 felonies!?