Gainesville man faces $60,000 bail after caving in apartment door
Eddie John Allen IV was arrested for attempted burglary after witnesses described him kicking and banging on a resident's door at Village Crossing Apartments.
By Chinedu Schneider ·
A 32-year-old Gainesville man was booked into jail early Monday morning after causing $300 in damage to an apartment door at Village Crossing Apartments. Police charged Eddie John Allen IV with attempted burglary of an occupied dwelling and misdemeanor property damage.
Officers arrived at the complex at 501 NE 18th Street at approximately 1:40 a.m. on November 9. The victim stated that Allen had previously banged on her bedroom window and yelled at her. He then moved to the main entrance, where he aggressively pounded on the door while demanding she let him inside.
The responding officer documented that the lower half of the door was caved in. Shoe prints were visible on the damaged wood. A witness who was driving with Allen, though he did not know the suspect, confirmed that Allen directed the vehicle to the apartment. The witness observed Allen yelling through the window before proceeding to kick the door.
Allen provided different accounts to law enforcement. After receiving Miranda rights, he claimed he had been speaking with the victim and wanted to retrieve his personal belongings. While in transport to the county jail, he admitted to banging on the door but denied kicking it.
Court records show Allen is a registered sexual offender with a history of prior convictions. He holds five felony convictions, one of which is sexual in nature, and five misdemeanor convictions, two of which involve violence. Allen has served two sentences in state prison, with his most recent release occurring in 2024.
Judge Lua Lepianka set his bail at $60,000. The charges listed in the arrest report are formal accusations. Allen is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
