In a troubling situation that recently unfolded in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, nearly 20 squatters took over a $4 million three-story home owned by a member of the local Chinese community. After police intervention last week, the property was finally cleared, leading to the eviction of the squatters and the arrest of one individual.

According to reports from the New York Post, the squatters exhibited a range of concerning behaviors during their time in the property. They allegedly stole packages from neighbors’ porches, threatened people passing by, vandalized nearby properties, openly used drugs on the porch, and even set off fireworks in the early morning.

P.J. Ximenez, the new building manager, shared that the squatters broke into the home on September 21, initially taking over the entire second floor. They blocked the entrance with wooden boards, which had the hasty message, “Home is where the marijuana is,” scrawled on them.

Ximenez expressed serious concerns for community safety, mentioning the discovery of numerous syringes and a spoon linked to heroin use. He believes the presence of the squatters posed a significant threat to the neighborhood.

Among those occupying the home was a person using a cane, referred to as “Tripod” by the others. This individual reportedly gained access to the building’s garage, where they blocked the door with steel plates and stole several computers.

On September 30, authorities took action to secure the property by boarding it up. Documentation confirms that the owner, Stella Tsang, purchased the building in 2021, with plans for renovations and modernization. By October 1, she had enlisted a security team to monitor the porch around the clock.

Despite their attempts to convince police of their legal residency, the squatters produced a rental agreement dated July 25, claiming it was signed by the previous owner, Francine Rosado. However, records show that Rosado passed away in 2020.

Ultimately, on October 1, all the squatters’ belongings were removed from the property and placed on the sidewalk. They later returned in a truck to collect their items. Ximenez remarked that those who trespass, damage property, and use false lease agreements should face imprisonment for their actions.