Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jabriel Malik Payton, 20, found himself under arrest last night, facing charges of property damage after inflicting over $1,000 worth of destruction at the Bella Vista Village pool by tossing in pool furniture and a full trash can.

On September 29, officers from the Gainesville Police Department responded to a report at Bella Vista Village (110 NW 39th Avenue). Management reported that Payton was responsible for causing significant damage to the pool, estimated at over $1,000.

Surveillance footage was reviewed by an officer, capturing Payton as he vaulted the pool area fence around 11:34 p.m. on September 28, proceeding to hurl pool furniture into the water. He also reportedly dragged a trash can poolside, spilling its contents—including broken glass bottles—into the pool, necessitating a professional draining and cleaning session.

A complex employee informed an officer that management had spoken with Payton on September 29 at one of their units, and during this encounter, he confessed to wreaking havoc on the pool.

The officer later visited that unit, where Payton allegedly told officers that after getting drunk with neighbors, a disagreement with his girlfriend led him to wander the complex and end up at the pool. He expressed understanding of the damage he caused and stated his willingness to take full responsibility.

Post Miranda, Payton reportedly confirmed those statements and said he knowingly damaged the pool because he was upset.

Hailing from Jacksonville, with his address listed there, Payton told Court Services he moved to the area about two months ago. Charged with felony property damage, his record includes a juvenile conviction from 2021, yet lacks any adult criminal history. Judge Jonathan Ramsey opted to release him on his own recognizance.

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.