GAINESVILLE, Fla. – An 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, in connection with an alleged sexual battery at a northwest Gainesville residence after investigators used license plate reader technology to identify a blue Tesla associated with the suspect.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Lakshya Yadav, 18, who was charged with sexual battery following an investigation into an incident reported to have occurred Sept. 19.
According to investigators, the victim initially knew the suspect only by a nickname and remembered that he drove a blue Tesla.
Victim Reportedly Met Suspect Through Social Media
The investigation began in October when Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Detective M. Adkins was assigned to investigate the reported sexual battery.
Detectives learned that the victim and Yadav had connected through social media and developed a friendship.
During a conversation, Yadav allegedly made a sexual comment toward the victim and expressed interest in visiting the victim’s residence.
The victim told Yadav that he was not welcome to visit, according to investigators.
Despite that warning, Yadav allegedly arrived at the residence during the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 19.
The victim reportedly allowed him inside because he appeared to be under the influence, raising concerns that he might attempt to drive while impaired.
Investigators Say Suspect Ignored Repeated Requests to Stop
Once inside the residence, Yadav allegedly began making sexual advances toward the victim.
According to the sheriff’s office, the victim repeatedly told Yadav to stop, but he continued.
Investigators said the encounter escalated into forced sexual acts.
The victim also reported sustaining injuries during the incident.
According to the investigative account, Yadav took the victim’s clothing when the victim attempted to get dressed.
Yadav eventually left the residence.
Investigators later documented injuries they said were consistent with the victim’s account.
Blue Tesla and License Plate Readers Help Identify Suspect
At the beginning of the investigation, detectives did not know the suspect’s full identity.
The victim was able to provide a nickname and a description of the vehicle he drove, a blue Tesla.
Investigators used real-time intelligence resources, including automated license plate reader technology, to identify a blue Tesla that had traveled through the area around the time of the reported incident.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle’s registered owner shared an address in St. Johns County with Yadav.
Detectives subsequently developed Yadav as a suspect.
The victim later identified Yadav in a photographic lineup, according to the sheriff’s office.
Suspect Arrested in Southwest Gainesville
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, investigators contacted Yadav near his residence in southwest Gainesville.
He was taken into custody and charged with sexual battery.
The sheriff’s office did not release information about his bond amount or upcoming court proceedings.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and that additional details will not be released at this time to protect the integrity of the case.