MICANOPY ‒ Two Gainesville men were arrested late Saturday night, Oct. 4, 2025, after a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer observed a pickup truck allegedly shining a bright light into wooded areas along County Road 325 in what authorities described as a potential act of night hunting.
The officer, who was patrolling in the Micanopy and Cross Creek area, reported spotting the truck around 10:47 p.m. using a high-powered white light “in a manner that would be capable of disclosing the presence of deer.” The vehicle, which was towing a trailer without functioning rear running lights, was subsequently stopped for a traffic violation.
During the stop, the driver was identified as David Brotherton Cunningham, 39, and the passenger as Nicholas Dean Kirkland, 44, both of Gainesville. When questioned, the men reportedly told the officer there were firearms inside the vehicle. Both were detained after being patted down for safety.
Following the arrival of an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy for backup, the officer conducted a search of the truck. Authorities said the search uncovered an AR-15 pistol, two AR-15-style rifles, and three 9mm handguns, along with loaded magazines, additional ammunition, and a spotlight believed to have been used in the night-hunting activity. Officers also reported finding a bag containing a substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to the incident report, Kirkland admitted to operating the spotlight and allegedly “bragged” about how bright it was. After being advised of his Miranda rights, he reportedly confirmed he had used the light and knew firearms were in the vehicle. A search of Kirkland’s person allegedly turned up a small baggie of cocaine.
While Cunningham was being booked into the Alachua County Jail, detention staff reportedly found cocaine concealed in his wallet, resulting in an additional charge for introducing contraband into a detention facility.
Cunningham faces multiple charges, including night hunting, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and introducing contraband into a detention facility. Court records show that he has five prior misdemeanor convictions, one of which was classified as violent. Judge Craig DeThomasis set his bail at $4,000.
Kirkland was charged with night hunting and possession of a controlled substance. He has six prior misdemeanor convictions, including two violent offenses. Judge DeThomasis released him on his own recognizance pending further court proceedings.
FWC officials routinely conduct nighttime patrols during hunting season to deter illegal activities such as spotlighting wildlife, a practice commonly referred to as “shining.” The use of artificial lights to locate or take game animals at night is prohibited under Florida law and is considered a serious wildlife violation.
# # #
Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com
Add a comment
