Two Arrested After Armed Home Invasion and Chase

HAWTHORNE – Two men were arrested early Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, after a violent home invasion south of Hawthorne led to the theft of cash and a pickup truck, followed by a multi-agency traffic stop that uncovered cocaine and additional charges.

According to law enforcement reports, the incident began around 2:15 a.m. when an Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a residence where the victim said Irving Enrique Vinales-Soto, 59, forced his way inside. The victim reported that Vinales-Soto banged on the door with a pistol and demanded to know the whereabouts of a woman he had previously been involved with. The woman reportedly works at the home and stays there several nights a week.

The victim told deputies that Vinales-Soto pointed a pistol at him, demanded money and took approximately $500 from his wallet before grabbing the keys to his pickup truck and fleeing the residence.

At approximately 3:55 a.m., a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, assisted by Alachua County deputies, located the stolen blue GMC pickup truck and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Aamir Jalil Sims, 30, of Gainesville, was detained. Sims’ driver’s license had been suspended since September, authorities said. A search of the truck reportedly revealed a baggie containing about 4.9 grams of crack cocaine near Sims’ feet.

Vinales-Soto was reportedly in the passenger seat during the stop and fled on foot before being apprehended a short time later. Deputies said a search incident to arrest produced approximately 2.8 grams of cocaine.

After being advised of his rights, Vinales-Soto reportedly admitted to forcing his way into the home, taking the victim’s vehicle keys, driving away in the vehicle and possessing “crack.”

Sims faces charges of cocaine possession and driving with a suspended license following a previous conviction for driving without a valid license. Records show he is on probation for dealing in stolen property and has two prior non-violent felony convictions. Judge Denise Ferrero set his bail at $7,500.

Vinales-Soto faces multiple felony charges, including armed home invasion, robbery, aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, grand theft of a motor vehicle and possession of cocaine. He has no known local criminal history and is currently being held without bond.

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