A squatter has allegedly taken over an expensive home in Magnolia. Police say the man is living illegally in the multi million dollar home with views of Puget Sound.
The man recently moved into the foreclosed home and insists he has every right to be there. Neighbors tell KOMO news the home had been vacant for awhile. They became alarmed when they saw the man living in the home after the bank took it over. "It’s never happened around here," says Karen Vogt, who lives nearby. "It’s kind of shocking when you think it’s happening right next door to you, you know?"
KOMO spoke to the man who denied that he’s squatting in the home, and produced what looked like a lease but police sources say the lease is bogus. KOMO says the leasing company on the paperwork traces back to the Safeco Tower in downtown Seattle. But there’s no listing of the company there and their phone line is disconnected.
There have not been any complaints about the man, though a real estate agent who tried to show the place was shocked to find someone apparently squatting here. Neighbors tell KOMO it’s a sign of the times. "It’s amazing that it would happen in this neighborhood, in Magnolia," says Karen Vogt. "I can’t imagine someone that is that bold to just go into a home and take over. It’s an amazing thing."
KOMO reports that their records check on the man revealed a criminal history, including an open arrest warrant in California.
Investigators are building a case to eventually go in and evict the man from the home.
