Man arrested after banging on stranger’s door and covering peephole, causing victim to fear he would break down her door

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Erin Deshawn Williams, 29, was arrested early this morning after allegedly banging on a stranger’s door, covering her peephole, and shattering a liquor bottle on her door.

At about 12:29 a.m. on December 12, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to Frederick Gardens Apartments (1130 SW 16th Avenue), where the victim had retreated to a bathroom before calling 911 to report that someone was banging on her door and covering the peephole. The man had also shattered a liquor bottle against her door.

The officer found Williams on the landing below the victim’s apartment, and Williams reportedly said he didn’t know anyone at the apartment complex and “did whatever he wanted.” The officer reported that Williams did not know the name of the complex and could not name anyone who lived there; Williams reportedly became “belligerent,” and the officer noted that Williams was unable to dispel the concern that he had been trying to force his way into the victim’s apartment.

A search incident to arrest reportedly produced a baggie containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamines.

Post Miranda, Williams reportedly said the baggie contained cocaine.

The victim reportedly identified Williams as the man she had seen outside her door and said she did not know him.

Williams has been charged with disorderly conduct, loitering/prowling, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has no criminal history, and Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $17,000 but ordered that he could be released on his own recognizance if he is cleared for day reporting.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.