Gainesville, Florida – A shoplifting investigation in Alachua County Friday escalated after a suspect allegedly fled deputies while armed.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies contacted 23-year-old Kobe Delima on Friday afternoon while investigating a misdemeanor shoplifting case. Authorities say the encounter quickly changed when Delima allegedly ran from deputies rather than remain at the scene.
Deputy Dugger and Deputy Aldous reportedly pursued Delima on foot through several nearby roads before he was eventually taken into custody.
During the initial encounter, Deputy Dugger observed that Delima appeared to be using his left hand to hold a large bulge protruding from the front of his waistband, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators later determined the object was a loaded semi-automatic handgun.
According to the sheriff’s office, Delima is a convicted felon, which legally prohibits him from possessing a firearm. Authorities say the weapon was recovered after the pursuit.
Instead of facing only a misdemeanor theft allegation, Delima now faces multiple charges stemming from the incident. Deputies say he was charged with:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
- Retail Theft
- Possession of Marijuana
- Tampering With Evidence
The sheriff’s office noted that incidents beginning as minor investigations can quickly escalate into more serious public safety situations for responding deputies.
The case remains under investigation.
For many students and young workers in the Gainesville area, retail theft cases often involve routine calls for deputies, though authorities say this incident illustrates how rapidly such encounters can change.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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