A homeowner in New York City has been arrested after she attempted to evict a squatter from the family home she inherited.
Adele Andaloro, 47, was apprehended after taking action to regain control of her family's $1 million home, inherited from her deceased parents, as reported by ABC’s Eyewitness News.
Expressing her frustration, Andaloro stated: "It’s enraging. It’s not fair that I, as the homeowner, have to be going through this."
The conflict erupted when Andaloro initiated the home's sale process last month, only to discover squatters had taken residence and replaced the front door and locks.
Fed up with the situation, Andaloro, accompanied by a local TV crew, visited her family's home on 160th Street on February 29, where she enlisted a locksmith to change the locks, sparking a confrontational scene.
Police intervened and escorted two individuals off the property, revealing a legal loophole allowing individuals to claim "squatter’s rights" after just 30 days of residence in New York City.
Andaloro expressed her fear of losing her home, stating: "By the time someone does their investigation, their work, and their job, it will be over 30 days and this man will still be in my home. I’m really fearful that these people are going to get away with stealing my home."
During the altercation, Andaloro brandished property deeds while confronting one of the occupants, identified as Brian Rodriguez by local media.
As reported by the New York Post, when reporters ventured to the house, a woman inside replied: "I don’t have to explain more. Talk with the guy who has the business or the problem with the woman, but not with me because I don’t know anything about it. This is not my problem."
Responding officers informed Andaloro that the matter fell under a "landlord-tenant issue," leading to her being charged with unlawful eviction for changing the locks without providing a new key.
Footage showed others being led away in handcuffs by the police, but the NYPD confirmed to the Post that no other official arrests were made.
A concerned neighbor, preferring to stay anonymous, said: "It’s her home. I’m glad it’s coming to the forefront because it’s a disgrace."
The incident adds to a string of squatter-related controversies in New York City.
As previously reported, Susana and Joseph Landa, aged 68, resorted to hiring security to reclaim their $2 million Douglaston, Queens, residence from a squatter who has refused to vacate since they finalized the purchase in October.
As reported by the New York Post, a security guard stationed outside the mansion stated: "I work for the owner of the house. These people are good people, it is a shame what is going on."
The Landas' decision to hire security marks the latest attempt to reclaim their property from Flores, who had served as caretaker for the previous owner until his death in January 2023.
Flores, 32, claims the former owner granted him a "license" to reside in the house, despite the Landas' lawful acquisition in October.
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