Gainesville, FL – A 30-year-old Florida woman was arrested after allegedly calling 911 fourteen times from a McDonald’s bathroom to request a ride home, then assaulting and threatening to kill a sheriff’s deputy who told her to stop, according to authorities.
The Incident: 911 Calls from a McDonald’s Bathroom
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a McDonald’s restaurant in Gainesville shortly after midnight on Tuesday after receiving reports that a woman was refusing to leave the bathroom.
When a deputy arrived, she found Baylee Jordan Graham, who allegedly provided a false name during the initial encounter. The deputy attempted to assist Graham by charging her phone so she could call for a ride home. Instead, Graham allegedly dialed 911, asking dispatchers to send someone to pick her up.
“She told dispatchers she was at a nearby Circle K store and needed a ride home,” the arrest report stated.
The deputy warned Graham that misusing 911 for non-emergencies was a criminal offense and even offered to drive her home herself, but Graham refused. Minutes later, she allegedly called 911 again with the same request.
Investigation and Escalation
Dispatchers soon alerted deputies that Graham was continuing to call 911, despite multiple warnings to stop. The deputy on scene watched as Graham ignored repeated commands, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
When the deputy approached her and took her by the arm, Graham allegedly spun around and struck the deputy in the face, shouting,
“Do not touch me!” and “Get your hands off me, b—!”
Backup units were called as Graham resisted arrest. She was handcuffed after a brief struggle but continued to act combatively, at one point placing her foot in the door frame to prevent deputies from closing the patrol car door.
Investigators later determined that Graham called 911 a total of fourteen times between the McDonald’s and the nearby Circle K location.
While seated in the patrol vehicle, the arrest report notes that Graham muttered something about “not being prepared.” When the deputy asked what she meant, Graham allegedly replied:
“In any other situation, I would have probably killed you.”
Court Proceedings and Criminal Charges
Baylee Jordan Graham was taken to the Alachua County Jail and charged with:
- Battery on a law enforcement officer
- Resisting arrest without violence
- Misuse of the 911 system
She is currently being held on a $35,000 bond, according to jail records. Authorities noted that no injuries were reported other than minor redness to the deputy’s face.
Under Florida law, making false or repeated 911 calls for non-emergency purposes is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. However, striking a law enforcement officer elevates the charge to a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison.
Statements and Public Reaction
Local officials described the situation as a misuse of emergency resources, emphasizing that false 911 calls divert attention from genuine emergencies.
“Every call that’s made unnecessarily takes time and resources away from someone in real danger,” an Alachua County spokesperson said Wednesday.
The Sheriff’s Office also reminded residents that while officers may assist stranded individuals, 911 should only be used for legitimate emergencies.
Residents of Gainesville expressed disbelief at the bizarre incident, with many noting the deputy’s restraint despite being assaulted and threatened.
“She’s lucky that deputy kept her calm,” one local resident told reporters. “That’s not something you hear every day — fourteen calls just for a ride.”
Background Context: Misuse of 911 in Florida
Florida law enforcement agencies have dealt with an increasing number of non-emergency 911 calls in recent years, ranging from minor disputes to requests for transportation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has urged the public to use non-emergency lines for routine assistance, noting that misuse of 911 can result in fines or arrest.
Authorities have also highlighted the strain these calls place on dispatchers and first responders, especially during late-night shifts when staffing levels are lower.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Graham remains in custody as her case moves through Alachua County Circuit Court. A preliminary hearing is expected in the coming weeks, where prosecutors will review whether to pursue enhanced penalties for threatening a law enforcement officer.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Graham has no prior felony record but has previously been cited for disorderly conduct.
Conclusion
The case serves as a reminder of how quickly a minor incident can escalate into a serious criminal matter. What began as a series of prank 911 calls from a fast-food restaurant ended with felony assault charges and a threat against a deputy’s life.
Authorities say they hope the case encourages residents to use 911 responsibly — and only when a true emergency exists.
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