Lansing squatter to appear in court

Police encourage residents to be aware of neighborhood activities

information provided by the Lansing Police Department

LANSING, Ill. (March 26, 2019) – On May 10, 2018, at approximately 1:45pm, the Lansing Police Department was dispatched to 17007 Park Avenue to meet with a representative from a mortgage company to investigate a possible “squatter” situation in the home.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Ms. Sandrea Calhoun, age 30, who presented what appeared to be a valid lease agreement. Ms. Calhoun stated that she rented the home from someone she met on Craig’s List and has been living there with her five children for two months. Once it was determined that the rental agreement was fraudulent, Ms. Calhoun agreed to look for another place to rent, and the mortgage company would begin the formal eviction process.

In early July of 2018, the representative from the mortgage company met with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police eviction unit at 17007 Park Avenue, and Ms. Calhoun was still residing there with her five children. She was given official notice to vacate the premises by CCSP.

On July 30, 2018, the Lansing Police Department responded to 17007 Park Avenue for an investigation of an open door. Officers arrived on scene and discovered that the front door had been kicked in, and there was damage to the inside, including several broken windows. The representative from the mortgage company responded to the scene and decided she would like to pursue complaints if an offender is located.

After detectives completed their investigation, including interviewing witnesses, a warrant for Ms. Calhoun was obtained. On March 26, 2019, Ms. Calhoun was located and charged with felony criminal damage to property. She is scheduled to appear in court for bond hearing on March 27, 2019, at the Markham Courthouse located at 16501 S. Kedzie Markham Illinois.

The Lansing Police Department would like to remind their residents that if they see someone “squatting” inside a home or apartment, and they do not believe they belong there, the police department should be contacted as soon as possible.