A Florida man has been arrested after allegedly squatting in a Hollywood home, making himself at home by setting up a PlayStation console in the bedroom and even driving the homeowner’s car. The incident came to light when the homeowner received a notification from their smart thermostat about a change in temperature inside the house. The homeowner took matters into their own hands and discovered Emmanuel Pierre, 25, driving their vehicle and parking it in the garage.
The homeowner quickly blocked the driveway to prevent Pierre from fleeing and called 911. Several neighbors also came out to help and surrounded Pierre until the authorities arrived. Upon investigation, it was found that Pierre had made himself comfortable in the home, using the homeowner’s car, cooking in the kitchen, and connecting a PlayStation device in the bedroom.
Pierre has been charged with burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, and grand theft over $750. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 27. This incident highlights the ongoing problem of squatting in Florida and other states, where individuals illegally occupy vacant properties.
In a separate incident in Bonita Springs, a woman was arrested in September for squatting in a multimillion-dollar home. She was found wearing the homeowner’s clothing and making a sandwich at the time of her arrest. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which handled both cases, warned residents to be vigilant and offered a “Vacation Home Checks” program where increased police patrols can be requested while homeowners are away.
Instances of squatting continue to be a concern in Florida and across the United States. It is important for homeowners to take necessary precautions and report any suspicious activities to local authorities.
