Oakland City Attorney Sues Landlords Of Apartment Complex Notorious For Violence, Shootings
OAKLAND (KPIX 5) -- The Oakland City Attorney has sued the landlords of an apartment complex that they said has become a base for a violent gang. Residents said they have experienced robberies, shootings and gang members chasing down tenants.
Video provided to KPIX 5 from the Oakland City Attorney shows gang members openly carrying guns at the Hillside Apartments to intimidate tenants. Many families at the 100-unit complex said they rarely leave their apartments because of the constant shootings.
A tenant named Ronnett, who would not give her last name, said, "This is a prison. This is Hillside, 'Killside' prison."
A teenager was shot dead over the weekend in front of the complex.
Jamie Lewis moved to the complex last year, Since then, two people have been shot and killed, and she has had to run for cover.
Lewis recalled one incident and said, "We've seen these cars, coming from that way, speeding. By the time they got to the stop sign, you heard arguing, and you see a dude pulling out a gun and start shooting at the other car. I had to turn around and run with my son in a car seat, back in the gate."
Oakland City Attorney Barbara Parker is suing the two property owners, saying they have broken promises to hire security and evict problem tenants. "The failure of the owners to maintain proper standards and security, it appears to have become a magnet for crime. It is one of the top in the city for calls for service," Parker said.
Aside from the crime, tenants said the complex is infested with bugs and fleas.
The tenants KPIX 5 talked to said they can't afford to leave. "I would do anything to move, but it's hard to move." Ronnett said.
The property owners live in Walnut Creek area. KPIX 5 repeatedly contacted the property owners Thursday, but they have not responded.
The landlords are also facing unrelated federal charges. They recently pled guilty to rigging bids at foreclosure auctions.
