Brooksville, FL – A Spring Hill man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say a series of alleged stalking and vandalism incidents culminated in a suspicious package containing an unknown white powder being left at a victim’s home, prompting a response from the FBI and hazardous materials teams.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first responded on Monday, July 6, 2026, to a residence on Landover Boulevard in Spring Hill after the homeowner reported criminal mischief. Surveillance video allegedly showed an unknown person spray-painting several exterior security cameras before knocking them down and attempting to damage a front window before leaving the property. The suspect’s identity was concealed by clothing and a face covering.
Deputies returned to the same residence on Friday, July 10, 2026, after the homeowner discovered a suspicious manila envelope secured to the driveway with what appeared to be a tent stake. Authorities said the envelope contained an unknown white powder, prompting the scene to be treated as a potential hazardous materials incident.
The sheriff’s office said Hernando County Fire Rescue’s Hazmat Team, HCSO Major Case Detectives, and the FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Team responded to assist with the investigation. No injuries were reported.
According to investigators, the victim had previously been involved in a 2024 traffic crash with another driver and believed that individual was responsible for the subsequent acts of vandalism and harassment.
Detectives ultimately identified Merle Hardie, 83, of Spring Hill, as the alleged suspect. He was arrested and booked into the Hernando County Detention Center on charges of aggravated stalking, burglary of a dwelling, possession of burglary tools, and delivery of a hoax of a mass destruction device. His bond was set at $10,000.
Authorities said the white powder presumptively tested positive for baking soda, but the substance has been submitted for laboratory analysis to confirm the preliminary results. The investigation remains active.
