UPDATE: After an early morning house fire, some people in a North Las Vegas neighborhood aren't taking any chances with what they're calling dangerous squatters. Some have started to carry around their weapons.
According to neighbors, the previous residents moved out about two months ago. Since then, they believe squatters have moved in. They fear the suspected squatters may have gang affiliations.
Some graffiti on the home appears to read "Crip or die".
"It could be wannabes, or young kids," says Robert McDermott. "But you still have to be careful."
13 Action News reached out to the homeowner's association, Hidden Canyon HOA. They say no formal complaint has been filed about the suspected squatters.
ORIGINAL STORY
NORTH LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- An abandoned house caught fire for the second time in two weeks around 1 a.m. Tuesday at 1812 Quartet Drive.
Firefighters put out a small exterior fire in the backyard. They suspect squatters are to blame.
Neighbors let us in their backyard to get a look at this home after early am fire. Crews investigating to see if fire was squatter related. pic.twitter.com/3qltBhkWKC
— Marissa Kynaston (@marissaktnv) September 27, 2016
Neighbors say the house had a history of problems since the house became vacant. Squatters and possibly gangs have been spotted near the home.
The house was also the scene of a shooting in March 2015. A 14-year-old boy was shot in the chest after a fight got out of hand at a party. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
