Gainesville Men Burn Cops’ Car After Protest

Five Gainesville men have been sentenced on federal charges for torching a police patrol car parked outside an officer’s home during the volatile protests of June 2020. Jesse James Smallwood, Delveccho Waller, Jr., Bruce Thompson, Judah Coleman Bailey, and Dashun Martin conspired to destroy the vehicle under cover of a lawful protest, authorities say.

The arson unfolded just after 9 p.m. on June 1, 2020, when the men gathered in a downtown Gainesville pharmacy parking lot. Though present for a protest over George Floyd’s killing, they quickly veered into criminal territory. Bailey brought a flare gun and ammo; once the group pinpointed the location of the unoccupied police vehicle, they agreed to attack it. Smallwood drove the crew to the apartment complex where the car was parked.

Upon arrival, all five pulled masks over their faces. Bailey stepped forward, fired a flare through the rear windshield, and ignited the patrol unit. Flames erupted within seconds. They fled the scene in Smallwood’s car—but not before a witness noted the vehicle and tipped off police. The group was arrested shortly after.

U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine didn’t mince words: “The defendants sought out and intentionally destroyed a police vehicle using the cover of legitimate peaceful protest. Their conduct showed a reckless disregard for the safety of others.” FBI Atlanta’s Chris Hacker added the bureau is laser-focused on those exploiting protests to commit violence, not the demonstrators themselves.

Sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones. Bailey, 21, of Gainesville, got one year, nine months—pleading guilty March 25, 2021, sentenced June 30. Waller, Jr., 23, of Gainesville, received the same term—pleaded May 13, sentenced August 26. Thompson, 23, of Oakwood, got one year, two months—pleaded May 10, sentenced same day. Smallwood, of Gainesville, was sentenced November 16, 2021, to one year, nine months—pleaded September 29. Martin, 24, of Gainesville, drew one year, five months—pleaded November 4, sentenced November 15.

All five will serve three years of supervised release and must pay $3,678.17 in restitution to the Gainesville Police Department. The FBI-Gainesville, Gainesville PD, and Fire Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Radics prosecuted. The case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative targeting violent crime. Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish made it clear: “This type of violence and destruction will not be tolerated in our community.”