SFPD executes search warrant at $4M Sea Cliff house at the center of alleged squatting activity
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A breaking update to a 7 On Your Side investigation into alleged squatting activity at a $4 million home in San Francisco's Sea Cliff neighborhood.
A search warrant was executed Friday by San Francisco police.
Video shows one of the alleged squatters leaving in handcuffs as officers searched the house and towed her Porsche.
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San Francisco police arrived with guns drawn.
"Do not try to escape, we have you surrounded," announced police on a video reviewed by 7 On Your Side.
Investigators combed the property and were seen leaving with evidence bags. Windows were boarded up.
Police interviewed another man at the house; his association with the alleged squatter is unclear.
Neighbors watched the scene unfold, telling 7 On Your Side they're relieved after more than a year of asking for help with the situation at the house.
"There's so many people who come and go for short periods of time," said neighbor Cameron Will.
"San Francisco Police Department has received many requests to pay some attention to this home in the past," said SFPD Public Information Officer Jennifer Gamble.
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One neighbor, Whitney Lynn, led that charge.
"Oh, I think I'm probably in touch with one city official or another at least six times every day," she said. "We really have been asking for help, and it feels like people finally heard us.
Animal Care and Control was also on the scene and transferred animals off the property. A total of seven pit bulls were taken from the house into custody, including young puppies, according to Animal Control.
Dennis Williams, another neighbor, says the dogs had been a constant concern.
"The constant dog barking and and chilling, bone-chilling wails... It just sounded awful," he said.
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Months before Friday's search, 7 On Your Side was asking questions about who owned the home. Records at the time showed at least seven deed transfers between two people in a year. Both claimed the other wasn't the real owner.
That September, the city attorney sued, alleging a scheme to obtain ownership through forged, fraudulently notarized deeds.
There's now a no trespassing sign on the home. Another notice lists a December tax auction unless overdue taxes and costs are paid.
Investigators previously said the owner was abroad and unreachable. Neighbors want the city to better handle suspected deed fraud so this doesn't happen again.
"And I want to urge San Francisco to take this issue really seriously... And hopefully nobody else has to go through this," said Lynn.
When asked for comment, the District Attorney's office said, "As a matter of policy we can't comment on pending investigations."
Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side.
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