Gainesville, FL – A 35-year-old Florida man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly using his 6-year-old daughter as a lookout while stealing from an Ace Hardware store — and then ditching the child when confronted by security and police. Authorities say the man fled the scene, hid under a car in a Walmart parking lot, and was later arrested after being tased by officers.
The Incident: Theft at Ace Hardware Involving a Child
According to the Gainesville Police Department, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Monday, November 10, at an Ace Hardware located on the 3700 block of University Avenue.
Security footage and witness statements revealed that Joshua Robert Spirit, 35, entered the store with his young daughter and went to the tool section. A store security guard told officers that Spirit began placing items “into his person” and into his daughter’s bag, while instructing the child to watch for people nearby.
The guard said the 6-year-old was acting as a lookout while Spirit concealed merchandise valued at approximately $199.
After allegedly passing all points of sale without paying, the guard approached Spirit in the parking lot and identified himself. Spirit reportedly refused to comply and got into his vehicle with the child.
As the guard stood behind the vehicle to photograph the license plate, Spirit allegedly backed up his car, “tapping” the guard in an apparent attempt to flee. The guard called 911 as Spirit sped away, abandoning his daughter in the parking lot.
Investigation and Arrest: Chase Ends in Walmart Parking Lot
Responding officers located Spirit a short time later near his home, but when they attempted to stop him, he allegedly ran from police, leaving his 6-year-old daughter unattended.
A second officer soon spotted Spirit walking along NW 23rd Terrace. When officers ordered him to stop, Spirit jumped over an 8-foot concrete wall and attempted to hide in a nearby Walmart parking lot.
A third officer discovered Spirit hiding under a parked car, according to the police report. When confronted, Spirit tried to climb back over the wall, but upon realizing officers were still in pursuit, he ran into Walmart to hide inside the store.
Officers followed him inside, deployed a Taser, and placed Spirit under arrest.
A blue pocket knife was recovered from his pocket, the arrest report stated.
Court Proceedings and Criminal Charges
Spirit was booked into the Alachua County Jail and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Child abuse without great bodily harm
- Child neglect without bodily harm
- Resisting an officer without violence
Court records also indicate that Spirit was on probation for previous nonviolent felonies at the time of his arrest. A judge set his bond at $45,000, but he remains held without bond pending a probation review.
Officials said Spirit’s actions — involving both his daughter and the attempted hit with his car — demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety. Police confirmed the child was unharmed and later reunited with family members.
It is not yet clear when Spirit will make his next court appearance.
Background and Criminal History
Court records show that Joshua Spirit has a prior history of property crimes and probation violations in Florida. Investigators said his latest offense may result in enhanced sentencing due to his repeat offender status.
Child welfare authorities have also been notified to conduct a follow-up investigation regarding the well-being of his 6-year-old daughter, who police say was used as a “lookout” during the theft.
The case has drawn local attention in Gainesville, with residents expressing shock that a parent would involve their child in a crime and then abandon her to avoid arrest.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Gainesville Police Department confirmed that Spirit faces both criminal charges and a probation violation hearing, which could lead to additional jail time. Officials said surveillance footage from Ace Hardware and Walmart is being reviewed as part of the ongoing case.
Prosecutors are expected to determine whether Spirit will face additional charges related to endangering a minor or obstruction.
Conclusion
Authorities have condemned Spirit’s actions as an example of parental irresponsibility and criminal exploitation of a child. The 6-year-old girl, though physically unharmed, is receiving support services while the case proceeds in court.
If convicted, Spirit could face several years in prison for his role in the theft and the subsequent endangerment of his daughter.
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