And 8 police inncendents in the past 5 years and 1 arrest.

The police have warned him to stop making threats and stay off neighbor's property, but no arrests have been made (for the harassment, anyway).

He has informed me that I cannot go on the property to retrieve my belongings without a sheriff escort or he will have me arrested.

I believe that's fraud and you can have them arrested.

If not, I recommend you do one to see exactly what kind of person you are dealing with. my lease says arrests of any kind while living in the apartment is grounds for lease termination. maybe you'll get lucky and find out he has a warrant out or was arrested while living in your unit and you can use that to evict.

and they dont hunt those down that skip anymore they just wait until they get themselves into trouble then the blotter tells on them and alerts the county they are arrested in to hold until they decide to court martial which 8 out of 10 they don't even pick them up

Some I have had arrested, etc, etc, etc.

I understand that when you background check a potential tenant this would show up, but is it the case that if you credit check a tenant with a drug history and you rent to them, they are caught and arrested selling in your rental unit - that you are somehow liable?

Everyone has an opinion but I will own a property where there are some minor drug arrest (use, possession) but not one where there are many crimes against people or property (assault, robbery, car break-ins).The home will bring additional challenges as the tenant may refuse to water or cut the grass and bushes, pick up palm frawns(not in lease) Any unpaid bills from public utilities could cause a lien against the property.

If you're feeling adventurous, stake out the house at night and make a citizen's arrest or call the cops and stick around when they show up.