A Massachusetts student reported a troubling situation involving her roommates in Little Havana to Miami police. The student, who had located her roommates through the Nextdoor app, moved into a Riverside-area apartment in March, sharing the space with Suejona Mia and Sabrina Bouchard. Shortly thereafter, an eviction notice was issued, adding to the tension in the household.
The student, who was subleasing, alleged that Bouchard, aged 27, and Mia, aged 23—both listed on the lease—requested her to vacate the premises without offering a prorated refund. The situation escalated on a Wednesday night when the student claimed Bouchard physically restrained her on the bed while Mia took her keys forcibly.
In distress, the student reportedly contacted 911, expressing pain from the encounter. Police officers subsequently detained both Mia and Bouchard, and a detective from the robbery unit conducted further questioning. Both roommates denied the accusations, asserting that the student had thrown the keys at Bouchard and denied responsibility for any injury to the student’s hand.
Records from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center indicate that Mia and Bouchard were booked shortly after 2:35 a.m. on Wednesday. Both faced charges of strongarm robbery, with bond set at $1,000 each.
The Bottom Line
- This incident highlights potential risks associated with subleasing and using apps for finding roommates, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting and clear agreements.
- It underscores the necessity of understanding tenant rights, especially in shared housing situations, to navigate conflicts and legal challenges effectively.
- Strongarm robbery charges and related legal proceedings can have significant consequences for individuals involved, influencing employment opportunities and personal relationships.
- The case may affect community perceptions of safety in shared accommodations, impacting rental market dynamics in areas like Little Havana.
- For law enforcement, such incidents accentuate the need for rapid response and careful investigation to maintain public trust and ensure justice.