Man accused of trying to steal bus driver's purse

<p>Police arrested a Micanopy man Friday who they allege tried to steal a bus driver's purse while she was driving the city vehicle that morning.</p><p>Gainesville police accused John S. Brandt, 59, of unarmed robbery for taking the woman's purse, according to an arrest report. Brandt was being held at the Alachua County jail Saturday. A $15,000 bond had been set for his release.</p><p>The woman told police Brandt got on the bus, then during the route changed seats and ended up next to the driver's purse in the front right passenger seat next to the driver. He rang the bell to exit the bus at Williston Road and Southwest 34th Street. But as he was leaving, she saw he had her purse. She told him the purse belonged to her and grabbed at him. The man dropped the purse as he left. Police later located Brandt in a stock room at a nearby shopping mall.</p><p>Brandt later told police he had picked up the purse on the bus and gave it back when the driver said it was hers, according to a police report.</p>