GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 21-year-old woman, Tyeesha Teresa Smith, was arrested early on June 19 after allegedly entering an occupied Gainesville home while the resident was away and leaving the property in disarray.
According to Gainesville Police, the homeowner returned from a one-week trip to find his belongings scattered, furniture rearranged, and food eaten. He claimed that Smith entered his home “as if she had been there before.” Armed for his safety, he confronted her, prompting Smith to flee. He later caught up with her at Depot Park and waited with her until officers arrived.
Post-Miranda, Smith told officers an unknown man had told her she could borrow a bike from the home and that she thought the man lived there. However, she offered no further information about the individual.
Investigators noted multiple signs of intrusion: a damaged GRU meter, smoke detectors pulled from the ceiling, and evidence suggesting several people may have used the home without permission. Female undergarments, another woman’s ID, and half-eaten food were also discovered inside.
Smith, who has no prior criminal record, was charged with:
Burglary of an occupied dwelling
Petit theft
Property damage under $200
Judge Kristine Van Vorst set bail at $12,500, which may be waived if Smith is accepted into an electronic monitoring program.
