Homeless Man Arrested for Armed Trespassing

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Karl Eugene Merricks, a 57-year-old homeless man, was arrested and charged with armed trespassing after his former girlfriend found him asleep on her couch with two knives. Merricks had a history of prior felony and misdemeanor convictions and had been issued a trespass warning at the same address the previous day.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of homelessness and mental health issues, as well as the need for stronger enforcement and monitoring of repeat offenders to protect public safety. The case also raises questions about how to balance compassion for the homeless with the need to prevent potentially dangerous trespassing and property crimes.

The details

According to the police report, officers responded to the victim's home near the 3300 block of NW 53rd Avenue in Gainesville, Florida, where they found Merricks asleep on the couch. The victim said she had spent the night at a hotel out of fear that Merricks would return, and she contacted authorities immediately when she found him in her home. Police recovered a large "samurai-style dagger/knife" concealed under Merricks, as well as another small kitchen knife. Merricks admitted to entering the home through an unlocked back door because he was cold, and he initially denied having a knife before later confessing.

• On February 21, 2026, police responded to the home around 9:28 a.m.
• The previous day, on February 20, 2026, police had issued Merricks a trespass warning at the same address.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Merricks' bail amount and whether he will be released pending trial.