A resident of an Astoria building in Queens is causing distress for neighbors with his erratic behavior, according to court records and terrified residents.
Alexandre Lais has been described as creating a reign of terror at 23-35 Broadway for the past two years, leading three tenants to break their leases and move out.
His behavior has escalated to the point where the NYPD’s SWAT team had to be called to his door during a chaotic January episode.
Neighbors are living in fear, with one resident stating that her children have nightmares about Lais’ actions.
Despite complaints of lewd and threatening behavior, Lais has never been arrested by the police, and the building’s owners have been unsuccessful in evicting him.
According to residents, Lais engages in destructive behavior such as kicking doors, throwing items out of windows, and making violent threats.
The building’s owners have been trying to evict Lais since June 2023, but their attempts have been unsuccessful so far.
Residents have reported hearing disturbing noises coming from Lais’ apartment, including what sounds like a chainsaw.
Lais, who claims to be a senior software engineer, has been displaying bizarre behavior such as playing loud recordings and causing constant noise disturbances.
His apartment door shows signs of damage from being repeatedly pounded with hammers.
Some residents have resorted to using the stairs to avoid encountering Lais in the elevator.
Lais has been residing in the building since 2020 without a lease, and efforts to remove him have been unsuccessful.
The building’s owners have expressed their sympathy to tenants for the situation but have been unable to provide a solution.
The NYPD has been called to the building numerous times due to Lais’ behavior, including an incident where a SWAT team had to intervene.
Despite the ongoing issues, the building’s owners have not hired 24-hour security to protect residents.
Residents feel neglected and unsafe, with no resolution in sight.
Lais has not responded to requests for comment, leaving residents feeling discouraged and fearful for their safety.
