Neighbors Awakened by Gunfire and Shouting

ALACHUA – A 29-year-old Alachua man was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly trespassing onto a neighbor's property, firing gunshots, and damaging items on their porch, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to reports of an armed disturbance at 9719 N.W. County Road 235, north of Northwest 94th Avenue, at approximately 4:43 a.m. on May 11. The victims, who were inside the home at the time, told deputies the suspect, identified as Max Jacob Barreto, lived at a neighboring property.

According to the victims, they were awakened by gunshots near their front porch, followed by loud banging on their front door. They said they immediately recognized the voice of Barreto, who was reportedly shouting at them to "come out and fight." All four occupants of the home said they feared for their lives during the incident.

One of the victims reported looking out the window and seeing Barreto standing at the front door, wearing a headlamp and yelling. The victim noted that he is familiar with Barreto because Barreto regularly cleans their pool. The victims also said they could hear Barreto smashing decorations and plants on their front porch. When they told him to leave, Barreto allegedly continued yelling. He reportedly fired another shot while walking away after the victims said they were calling the police.

Deputies who arrived on the scene reported finding several plants and pots smashed on the front porch, with damages estimated at $200. The front gate of the property, which was closed and marked with a "No Trespassing" sign, appeared to have been accessed by Barreto. Deputies also recovered a spent .380 shell casing on the victims' driveway.

When deputies surrounded Barreto's residence and ordered him to come out with empty hands, he allegedly refused for nearly three hours. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Barreto finally exited his property but continued to ignore commands, leading to his apprehension by a K-9 team.

Barreto has been charged with armed burglary, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer without violence, and property damage. He has no prior criminal convictions but was previously arrested in 2022 for possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. That charge was later dropped.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered a mental health evaluation for Barreto and ruled that he be held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep him in custody until trial.

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