In a tense incident captured on video, a property owner from New York City found herself in handcuffs after a heated confrontation with individuals she believed to be squatters. The property in question is her family’s home, which she has been trying to reclaim.
Adele Andaloro, 47, was caught by authorities after she decided to change the locks on the $1 million home in Flushing, Queens. She claims that she inherited the property from her parents upon their death, as reported by ABC’s Eyewitness News.
The homeowner expressed anger and frustration when discussing the ongoing squatter saga.
“It’s really unfair that I, as the homeowner, have to deal with all of this.”
According to Andaloro, the trouble began when she decided to sell her home last month and discovered that squatters had taken up residence. To make matters worse, they had audaciously replaced the entire front door and locks.
Frustrated and determined, she decided to take matters into her own hands. On February 29th, she sought refuge at her family’s home on 160th Street. With a local TV outlet accompanying her, she boldly called upon a locksmith to change the locks.
The situation escalated quickly as a heated argument erupted with the individuals residing in the house, all captured on camera.
A resident of a suspected squatter in a $1M New York City home claims that the alleged squatter is actually subletting a portion of the property. In a bizarre twist, the co-resident says that they were conned by the individual posing as the legitimate tenant.
The police were eventually called and they escorted two individuals off the property.
In New York City, individuals can assert their right to occupy a property, commonly known as “squatter’s rights,” after residing there for only 30 days.
According to the law, homeowners are prohibited from changing the locks, shutting off utilities, or confiscating the belongings of the “tenants” on the property.
Andaloro expressed concern that by the time someone completes their investigation and fulfills their responsibilities, over 30 days would have passed and the man would still be in her home.
“I have a genuine fear that these individuals will escape the consequences of stealing my home,” she expressed with dismay.
When The Post approached the door on Tuesday, a woman claimed to have no knowledge about the squatting allegations.
“I don’t need to elaborate further. You should speak with the individual who is responsible for the business or the person experiencing issues with the woman. I have no knowledge or involvement in this matter. It is not my concern,” she stated firmly before abruptly shutting the door.
Andaloro, armed with the deeds, was captured on film entering the property during the recent encounter at her home. One of the apparent tenants had inadvertently left the front door open.
A group of individuals, who are being described as “vigilantes,” attempted to remove squatters from a $1 million house in Queens. This incident occurred after the homeowner, who had confronted the squatters, was arrested. The situation escalated into a tense standoff between the squatters and the group of people who were trying to evict them.
Andaloro became incensed and shouted at him during the incident that was captured on camera, expressing his strong disapproval of the attempted house theft.
After receiving numerous 911 calls, the responding police informed Andaloro that she would need to resolve the situation in housing court, as it was classified as a “landlord-tenant issue.”
According to the NYPD, Andaloro was charged with an unlawful eviction for changing the locks without providing a new key to the person staying there.
The police added that she received a criminal court summons and was slapped with it.
The police stated that despite the video evidence capturing the arrest of other individuals suspected of squatting, no further arrests or summonses were made.
