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GPD Captures, Arrests Murder Suspect Alvin Thomas

The Gainesville Police Department captured murder suspect Alvin G. Thomas Sunday at 6:52 p.m.

Police have accused the 31-year-old of killing his pregnant former girlfriend, Caitlin A. Albritton, 22, around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Neighbors told officials they heard the pair arguing in their home at the Village Green Apartments before a single gun shot was fired.

Albritton, six weeks pregnant, was rushed to the hospital but did not recover from her injuries. Thomas and Albritton were in a relationship, police said, and had a 9-month-old daughter now being cared for by Albritton's family.

GPD investigators received information from an unnamed witness that Thomas was hiding out at the Budget Inn on SW 13th Street. With assistance from the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals North Florida Fugitive Task, GPD officers conducted surveillance at the local hotel.

On-scene officers and agents determined Thomas's location and called him out of the room where he complied and did not resist arrest.

GPD spokesman Ben Tobias released the following statement on the capture:

With local law enforcement and the public coming together as one force, we are now one step closer to justice for the family of Caitlin Albritton. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Gainesville Police Department remain with Caitlin Albritton's family tonight.

Following the arrest, GPD investigators interviewed the suspect and then transported him to Alachua County Jail. Thomas was booked on charges of murder, armed burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Lauren is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Abbey is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org