Alachua Police Department

09/23/2026

Chief Jesse Sandusky and Lt. Daniel Chalker joined public safety partners from across Alachua County for a joint meeting focused on one shared priority: keeping our schools, students, faculty, and staff safe.

Strong partnerships and communication help ensure we are prepared when it matters most.

Yesterday, local first responders and emergency management partners came together for a joint meeting focused on one shared priority: keeping our schools, students, faculty, and staff safe.

The meeting brought together agencies from across Alachua County to proactively discuss school safety, strengthen communication, share resources and expertise, and continue building strong partnerships that help us respond effectively when it matters most.

We’re grateful to the following agencies for their commitment to protecting our communities and campuses:

- Alachua County Emergency Management
- Alachua County Fire Rescue
- Alachua County Sheriff
- Alachua Police Department
- Gainesville Fire Rescue
- Gainesville Police Department
- High Springs Fire Department
- High Springs Police Department
- City of Newberry - Government
- Santa Fe College Police Department
- University of Florida Public Safety

School safety is a shared responsibility, and strong partnerships make our communities stronger. Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to work together to keep our students, staff, and campuses safe.

09/23/2026

Coming up soon! The Alachua Police Department’s Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Classroom Course will be held Saturday, October 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center.

Space is limited to 10 participants, so register early to reserve your seat.

Learn more and register:
https://www.cityofalachua.com/554

Registration is now open for the Alachua Police Department’s Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Classroom Course.

This hands-on, interactive course will teach participants how to perform adult, child, and infant CPR, use an AED, respond to choking, and provide basic first aid during a medical emergency.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
$30 per participant
Open to participants age 16 and older

The registration fee includes the course completion card and classroom supplies.

Class size is limited to 10 participants. Seats are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis once payment is received. This is a pass-or-fail certification course, and registration fees are nonrefundable.

Learn more and register:
https://www.cityofalachua.com/554

09/22/2026

𝗢𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘 & 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗬

Last night, the Alachua Police Department proudly recognized members of our agency during our Oath of Office and Promotional Ceremony.

The ceremony welcomed our newest officers as they took the Official Oath of Office and received their badges. We also recognized officers who joined our department over the past year but had not previously had the opportunity to participate in a formal Oath of Office ceremony.

We also celebrated the promotions of Carl Newsome to Lieutenant and Cesar Vargas to Sergeant, recognizing their continued leadership, dedication, and service to the City of Alachua.

We were honored to have Alachua County Sheriff and former Chief of Police Chad Scott provide the invocation and City of Alachua Manager Rodolfo Valladares serve as our guest speaker. We were also pleased to welcome Alachua County Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Taylor, the City of Alachua Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Commissioners among the distinguished guests in attendance.

We are proud of each of these officers and the commitment they have made to serving our community.

𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦

A special thank you to Canvas Church for providing the facility for the ceremony and for being so welcoming and accommodating throughout the event.

We also extend our appreciation to Graze Craze Gainesville-Alachua for providing the charcuterie boards for the reception and helping make the evening even more special.

Thank you to the families, friends, community members, and agency partners who joined us in celebrating this special occasion.

09/21/2026

🚓Coalition Member Monday 🚓

This week, we're proud to spotlight Thomas Stanfield, Public Information Officer with the Alachua Police Department!

"I enjoy the teamwork and collaboration within the coalition. By working together and combining our strengths, we can make a greater impact and better advance our shared mission of keeping children and families safe."

Our coalition brings together professionals and organizations from across our community, each bringing unique expertise, resources, and perspectives to the table. When we work together, we can reach more families, share more resources, and make a greater impact.

You know what they say… teamwork makes the dream work! 🤝💙

09/17/2026

Sometimes, community policing is found in the smallest moments.

When he has the opportunity, Officer Payne regularly walks this student to breakfast and helps him get his school day started. Over time, those simple morning walks have become a familiar routine and a meaningful connection.

This photo was taken and shared with us by someone who happened to notice one of those moments.

Building trust starts with being present, and sometimes that means simply walking beside someone.

09/14/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Alachua Woman's Club Event Venue for hosting Sunday’s Heroes Luncheon in honor of local first responders.

The Alachua Woman’s Club provided a wonderful meal for our officers and dispatchers, along with members of Alachua County Fire Rescue. We truly appreciate their generosity and continued support of those who serve our community.

09/11/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 - 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝟮𝟲𝗔𝗣𝗗𝟬𝟭𝟬𝟵𝟴

On Thursday, September 10, 2026, at approximately 1:02 p.m., the Alachua Police Department responded to a residence in the 14000 block of NW 167th Place regarding a reported stabbing.

Due to the close proximity of Mebane Middle School, the school was placed in a secure status as a precaution while law enforcement responded to the area. Once officers arrived, secured the scene, and determined there was no threat to the school, the secure status was lifted.

Upon arrival, officers located 𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝘆𝗲, 𝟮𝟯, outside the residence with blood on his clothing and injuries to his left arm and hand. Officers rendered aid to Foye and observed two blood-covered knives on the ground near the residence.

Officers determined that Foye and his brother, 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗷 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀, 𝟭𝟵, had been involved in a domestic dispute inside the residence. Towns had locked Foye out of the residence following an argument. Their 67-year-old grandmother attempted to allow Foye back inside by opening the door and propping it open. During the dispute, Towns pushed his grandmother to the ground.

After Towns pushed their grandmother to the ground, officers learned that Foye became upset, armed himself with knives, and stabbed Towns near the front door. Towns sustained a stab wound to the area of his left hand. Foye also sustained cuts to his left forearm and left index finger during the incident. The injuries sustained during the incident were reported as non-life-threatening.

Towns then retreated to a bedroom and locked the door. Foye followed him while still armed and stabbed at the bedroom door while attempting to get to Towns.

𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦:

𝗝𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝘆𝗲, 𝟮𝟯
· Aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability
· Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗷 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀, 𝟭𝟵
· Battery on a person 65 years of age or older

09/11/2026

𝐖𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor the courage of the first responders who answered the call, and recognize the strength shown by communities across our nation.

May we never forget the victims, their families, and the heroes whose bravery and sacrifice continue to inspire us.

We will never forget.

09/10/2026

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 (𝟰:𝟯𝟵 𝗣𝗠): The scene has been cleared. The individuals involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

A press release with additional information will be issued tomorrow morning.

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𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 | 𝟬𝟵/𝟭𝟬/𝟮𝟲 𝟭:𝟭𝟱 𝗣𝗠 | 𝟭𝟰𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗪 𝟭𝟲𝟳𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘

The Alachua Police Department, along with Alachua County Fire Rescue, is in the area following reports of a subject who was stabbed during a domestic dispute.

Out of an abundance of caution due to the close proximity of Mebane Middle School, the school has been placed in a secure status.

The scene is secure, and all individuals involved have been detained. There is no known threat to the area or the school at this time.

09/09/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀.

APD is proud to partner with Safe Kids North Central Florida as part of the local coalition working to improve child passenger safety throughout our community.

Take a moment to review these important child restraint safety tips.