Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jahiyan Elizabeth Armstrong, 23, was arrested yesterday after police said she vandalized the apartment of a friend who had allowed her to stay there temporarily.
According to a Gainesville Police Department officer, the victim came home from a trip to find extensive damage throughout the apartment. Furniture, including a couch and dresser, had reportedly been broken apart, while a candle and picture frames were shattered. Orange spray paint had been applied to the walls, a light switch, and a closet door, and brown markings were found on the dining room wall. Police said food and cookies were strewn across the floor, dishes of food had been left on kitchen counters, the refrigerator door was open, and kitchen items and trash were scattered across the counters and floor. Open bottles of cleaning products were also found throughout the apartment and appeared to have been deliberately poured onto surfaces and into sinks. In the bedroom, sheets had been stripped from a mattress that was smeared and stained with what appeared to be food and a beverage.
The victim told police that several belongings were missing as well. When she returned from her trip, neighbors reportedly told her that her possessions had been spread through the building’s hallway, stairwell, and sidewalk. Because no one knew who the items belonged to, management had removed them.
The victim said she knew Armstrong because they lived in the same apartment building. After Armstrong was evicted from her own unit, the victim allowed her to stay in the apartment for a few days while she looked for another place to live. The victim said she asked Armstrong to clean up after herself during the stay, and that the request upset Armstrong.
Police said the victim left the apartment for several days and returned on July 14 to discover the vandalism. The victim told officers Armstrong was the only other person who had been inside the apartment during that time. Damage to the victim’s personal property was estimated at $3,000, while damage to the apartment itself was estimated at $500.
Armstrong has been charged with felony property damage. Court records note a juvenile history from 2020, one adult felony conviction that was non-violent, and one adult misdemeanor conviction that was also non-violent. Charges of armed home invasion robbery, theft, and dealing in stolen property were dropped in 2022 and 2025. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $30,000.
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.
