CBS2 Exclusive: Bronx Residents Live In Fear Of Men Roaming Building Hallways
This Story Was Updated At 2:51 p.m. On May 14, 2016
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There was a cry for help on Friday night, from residents in a Bronx building.
They said they are living in fear because two men in the building have been roaming the halls and behaving badly.
As CBS2's Sonia Rincon exclusively reported, dozens of residents in the building at 6141 Broadway overlooking Van Cortlandt Park have signed a letter asking their landlord, local elected leaders, and the 50th Precinct for help.
"We need some action taken to protect the people of the building," a resident said.
The NYPD has confirmed 8 reports of lewd conduct and homeless people at the building over the last two years.
The problem is two young men who roam the hallways. Residents said one of them frequently flashes young girls and women, the other has been found sleeping in a stairwell and the laundry room.
"I happened to walk in one day and he scared the daylights out of me because I wasn't expecting to see someone taking up their residence on the washing machine," a neighbor said.
Neighbors who don't want to be identified said the men aren't squatters. The flasher lives in the building with his parents. The other has parents in the building who kicked him out of their home.
"Personally I drag him out so many times," building super John Mekuli said.
One woman said the hallway flasher exposed himself to her while she was with her kids. Now, she said she's afraid to leave her apartment.
Neighbor Behir Mustafa said he knows the young men are troubled.
"But it should not burden all those here in the building that want to live a good life and want to be comfortable walking in their house and not get attacked," he said.
Several residents remember a neighbor who moved away out of concern for her safety. The young man accused of flashing and following the other residents allegedly followed her all the way to work in Manhattan.
The landlord and building management would not return a call from CBS2, but they did respond to State Senator Jeff Klein.
"Every person should feel safe in their home and I've reached out to the landlord who ensured me that swift action would be taken to address concerns raised by tenants. The landlord has promised to implement safety measures," Klein said.
Residents are hoping that action is taken.
CBS2 tried to speak to the families of both men, but neither would answer the door.
