Introduction to the Problem
At a West Hollywood apartment complex, neighbors who once exchanged warm greetings are now walking in and out of their homes cautiously.
“I just try to keep my blinders on and avoid him,” said Michael Proctor who lives at the complex. “(I try) not speak with him, pretend he’s not there.”
Proctor is talking about one of his neighbors whom he says everyone in the building is afraid of.
“He smashed our plants against the wall, broke glass onto the sidewalk and chased people literally into the streets,” Proctor explained.
The Neighbor’s Behavior
Recently, security footage captured the man violently banging on a neighbor’s door with what appeared to be a crowbar. Another video shows the man, shirtless, pounding on the same door.
Neighbors said the man, who has lived in the building for two years, was once friendly, but something changed a few months ago.
“The last three months is really when it started being really terrible,” said Proctor. “(He’s been) destroying his apartment. I can only describe it as if you can imagine a sledgehammer being taken to every wall in his building.”
Efforts to Address the Issue
That timeline aligns with when the building’s owner said she served him an eviction notice for unpaid rent.
She declined to speak on camera but said he was supposed to leave by March 15. When he didn’t, she filed for a sheriff lockout, which is expected next week.
Until then, the building owner said there’s little she can do, adding it’s up to the people living in the building to press charges, something they are unwilling to do.
“The reason why we haven’t is because we don’t have much faith that we are going to do anything, and we have to live next to him,” said Proctor.
Latest Developments
The latest incident happened Friday when NBC Los Angeles crews were outside the complex as the man was seen breaking a window in his apartment. Sheriff’s patrols were seen in the area shortly after.
NBCLA reached out to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for comment on the case but has not heard back.
In response, the city of West Hollywood said it’s looking into the matter and reiterated people living in the building needed to press charges.
Conclusion
The situation at the West Hollywood apartment complex is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by residents living in fear of violent neighbors. The lack of immediate action from authorities and the reluctance of neighbors to press charges highlight the complexities of addressing such issues. It is essential for communities to come together and support each other in seeking solutions to ensure their safety and well-being.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current situation at the West Hollywood apartment complex?
A: Neighbors are living in fear due to a violent neighbor who has been involved in several incidents, including smashing plants, breaking glass, and chasing people. - Q: Why are the neighbors reluctant to press charges?
A: The neighbors have expressed that they do not have much faith in the outcome if they press charges and are concerned about having to live next to the violent neighbor. - Q: What actions have been taken by the building owner?
A: The building owner has served the violent neighbor an eviction notice and has filed for a sheriff lockout after he failed to leave by the specified date. - Q: How have the authorities responded to the situation?
A: The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has been contacted for comment but has not responded. The city of West Hollywood is looking into the matter and has emphasized the need for the neighbors to press charges.
