Niagara Falls Police responded to the 2200 block of Cleveland Avenue around midnight on January 30th after reports of a possible burglary in progress.
The specific address has been abandoned for several years and the information that was dispatched to patrol stated there were "squatters inside possibly taking things." Responding officers have previously had calls at the same address for unwanted people, drug activity, and squatters.
Upon arrival, officers did notice there was a light on in the residence but the home still looked abandoned. While approaching the home officers observed two people with their hoods up moving what appeared to be a mattress. Officers knocked on the door and announced “police,” at which point both individuals dropped the mattress and ran up the stairs.
At this point an officer grabbed the doorknob to check if the door was unlocked while pushing his foot against the door. The door did ajar, but not before a piece of the wooden frame broke off.
Officers again announced “police” at which time a woman came down the stairs. After being questioned regarding her living status and who the other two males were, the female stated she had purchased the property and that the males were her adult children.
The female was able to provide proof of her recent purchase at which time officers addressed the broken door. The female stated to "not worry about it.”
No further information is available at this time.
Officers Break Front Door of Home after Mistaking Homeowner for a Squatter