51-year-old stalking suspect arrested

Alachua County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Ernesto Boada

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – A 51-year-old Alachua County man was arrested Monday after deputies said he made a series of attempts to coerce a woman into his vehicle.

The most recent incident occurred on May 31 at a bus stop in the vicinity of the 600 block of Northwest 75th Street in Gainesville.

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Deputies said Ernesto Boada drove past the bus stop, turned around, and approached the woman, who was waiting for a bus. Boada obstructed traffic and ordered the woman to "get in," deputies said. She declined and Boada drove away, deputies said.

Over the last six months, Boada has contacted the same victim on 10 different occasions and attempted to get her into his vehicle, deputies said.

The Alachua County Sheriff's Office said it has received information related to Boada involving similar incidents in the area, as well as in nearby areas of southwest Gainesville. They believe there may be other unreported incidents involving the suspect.

Boada has been driving a 2005 green Toyota Scion.

Boada was booked into the Alachua County jail and charged with stalking and possession of drug without prescription.

If anyone has information related to this incident or a similar incident, call Detective Jayson Francis or Detective Randy Enos at 352-955-1818 or Crime Stoppers at 352-372-STOP. In emergency situations, always dial 911.