Bodycam footage shows Alachua man arrested after vandalism, knife threat, and barricade
By: Gainesville, FL - Deputies with the Alachua Sheriff’s Office (ASO) said they arrested a man who threatened to harm himself with a knife and eluded authorities after vandalizing a home.
On Feb. 18, deputies responded to a call for service at the Haystacks condominium complex regarding a homeowner who reported that a friend had vandalized the inside of her residence.
During this incident, deputies said things escalated violently when the suspect, Avery Godbolt, 37, of Alachua, exited the home armed with a knife.
Godbolt can be seen on police bodycam footage removing the knife from his waistband and approaching the deputies on the scene, telling them, “Kill me.”
The deputies said they acted quickly, creating distance, calling for additional assistance, and placing a barrier between themselves and Godbolt.
Deputies said as the situation unfolded, they wanted to prioritize the preservation of human life and utilized a “less lethal” option by firing two “bean bag” rounds at Godbolt while he held the knife near his neck.
Godbolt went back into the house, where he barricaded himself and started a small fire in the living room.
This incident resulted in a significant law enforcement response and prompted the intervention of ASO’s Mental Health Co-responder team.
The deputy assigned to this team was also a highly skilled hostage negotiator, according to deputies.
Through effective communication, deputies said, they were able to de-escalate the situation while Godbolt was still inside the home, which led to Godbolt’s peaceful surrender.
Godbolt was arrested Tuesday night and taken to Alachua County Jail.
He faces charges of criminal mischief, 2nd-degree arson, resisting an officer with violence, and aggravated assault on specific personnel.
He has not set a bond.