A repeat UF trespasser and thief was arrested Tuesday morning at Marston Science Library following an undercover operation, according to the University Police.
At about 10:30 a.m., UPD found and identified James McCray, 34, of Gainesville, in Marston.
UPD spokesman Brad Barber said McCray has a long history of theft and was on an active trespass list compiled by UPD at the time of his arrest.
After Detective Jeff Moran approached McCray, he said McCray ran and hid in the library.
A UPD press release stated that while Moran and other uniformed officers searched for McCray, they received a phone call from a student who said his backpack was stolen in the building.
A thorough search of the library was conducted, resulting in the discovery of McCray in a bathroom stall on a lower floor by Investigator Ernest Hale, according to the release.
Hale ordered McCray out of the stall, who was still in possession of the stolen backpack.
McCray was arrested and charged with trespassing after warning and felony theft.
Barber encouraged students to report crime or suspicious behavior as soon as possible.
“Students need to come to us when this stuff happens,” he said. “That’s how we were able to find McCray.”
[A version of this story ran on page 1 on 8/27/2014 under the headline "UF trespasser with theft history steals backpack in Marston Lib "]
