A man has been arrested after a group of squatters allegedly set fire to a New York City home in November, escalating a months-long campaign of terror against local residents, Fox News reported Friday.
Chen Chen, 46, was arrested after a fire allegedly started by squatters near New York City made headlines. according to On Fox News. These squatters were said to have been causing trouble in Brooklyn for months. Their actions, which included setting a house on fire in November, caused a total of about $900,000 in damage and led to urgent calls for law reform, the New York Post reported. report.
Chen admitted in a statement that he started the fire. According to the criminal complaint, Chen told police that the fire was caused by a candle, according to Fox News. “I was smoking a cigarette and lighting a candle while I turned on the stove to boil some water and warm myself. [I] I went downstairs to take a shower. When we came back, we saw flames and smoke everywhere. ”
Squatters set fire to New York home, wreaking havoc on ‘hard-working families’, authorities say https://t.co/AAlNZtBm2D
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He claimed it was an accident, but authorities said it was intentional and reckless. They found Chen guilty of arson and criminal mischief and sentenced him to six months in prison, FOX News reported. (Related: Louisiana man charged with arson that killed 3 children)
The fire is part of a larger problem with squatters nearby, FOX News reported. Residents face a number of thefts and safety threats, including security cameras and water. The problem is so serious that New York City Councilmember Susan Juan and residents are calling for major changes to squatter rights laws. They point out how squatters are taking over the lives and homes of hard-working families, ABC 7 report.
“There are no Hamptons homes in our neighborhood,” Qian told reporters, according to the New York Post. “We the people have small houses. We work hard. They are hard-working families who pay their mortgages from paycheck to paycheck. Meanwhile, squatters break into their homes during the holidays. People’s lives will change forever.”
