crazy neighbor

[jlr33707]

What is the name of your state? florida.
In October 2003 my wife's mom bought a house for us to buy owner financed. While we were remodeling kitchen before moving in we meet our neighbors. On one side we have a mid-70s widow who is such a lovely person that we couldn't have wished for a better neighbor. On the other side we have a lady in her 50s who at first seemed more than a little querky. Let's call her Anita.
While remodeling our kitchen Anita would hover around gossiping and putting down all of the neighbors on our block. She would also discourage us about any improvements we wanted to do to our house. We figured she would be harmless.
Shortly after we moved in, while making the morning coffee I noticed Anita wondering around our backyard in her pajamas carrying her cat. This was just the first of many times Anita would come and go as she pleased on our property. She would walk up to the windows and start looking around the house. Once while I was literally on the tolet she walked up to the window and started telling me about her cat fighting with our cat. This was a little disturbing. I meet Anita out front and politly asked that she not come up to the window and to please not roam around our yard.
Anita continued to roam the yard time to time explaining she was looking for her cat, ironicly she was carrying the cat while she was roaming. My wife and I figured once we put privacy fence up this would not be a problem for much longer................WRONG!!!!!
Two months later as I was measuring for fence, Anita asked what I was doning. I explained we were putting up a fence, she insisted that we couldn't put up a fence. I explained to her that I had checked with code compliance and a recent copy of our survey and it was well within code. I explained to her that the fence was 12 inched off of property line due to her chainlink fence was 8 inches over onto our property. I also explained that we had no problem with her fence even if it was over the property line. She went into a rage.
We contacted community police officer who advised us that she could not stop us as long as we had our survey and fence was in code compliance. We completed fence with her harasing and fighting us the whole time. Anita had her survey updated which shows our fence 18 inches off property line.
This is getting too long so I will cut to the chase. It has been over a year sence we moved in. Anita refuses to except the fact that both her's and our surveys shows we are not over the line. She has piled debre and trash on property line, she has defaced our fence, caused damage to our bushes by draging her trashcan through them. We have photo of her on our property digging our fence up. We have video tape from our security camera we installed after comunity police officer's suggestion. She has been formally trespassed long ago. She has called code compliance on us multipal time which they deem unfounded every time. She has called the fire department on us just to spoil our dinner part. I can go on and on and I have gone on and on.
Nothing can be done because she won't answer the door when the police come. How can we make her leave us alone, how can we get the police to do something, anything.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

Shotgun, Howitzer, Spike Strips, or my favorite, a Louisville "Slugger" right between the eyes!

IAAL

 

[jlr33707]

Iaal

After one of the many huricans we had this year, as I was cleaning debre from the back yard, Anita started yelling obsenities through the fence. She was screaming at the top of her lungs and she has a voice like prun juice, it goes right through you. The next day a police officer showed up explaining to me that Anita was at police station filing a complaint against me for threating her. He said she had her survey trying to get the police to make us move our fence. They looked at her survey and tried to explain to her that according to her survey our fence was well off of line. The police officer explained that after they told Anita no go on moving fence then she made claims of me threating her. He told me it was obvious she was lying because she changed her story each of the three time she told it. He wanted to hear my side and I told him. I explained she was yelling so loud I expected one of her blood vessels to burst out her forehead. I told him it crossed my mind to spray her down with the water hose to cool her off. The police officer explained to me that would be assault and I could be charged. He advised me she was probable trying to set me up on something and to not fall for it.
I'm not a lawyer but if using the waterhose is assault then a bat to the face would leave me subject to arrest. Land spikes wouldn't work because our other neigbors have small kids and we wouldn't want the kids to get one or see crazy lady get one. Although I think a Howitzer would be a good deturant I'm reasonable sure that would violate city codes. Thanks for the advise.

 

[Florid-aise]

If you are lucky, perhaps your neighbor has family in the vicinity. If so, there are options family members have under the "Baker Act".

Based on what you have posted. Sounds like you are being "set-up" for a criminal charge if you fall for it. If your neighbor is in that "senior citizen" category, it even elevates the criminal charge.

Be careful how you water your lawn. If you get the message.

Now, not later, is the best time to find yourself an attorney. The more you attempt to handle this issue "face to face", even in a personable and friendly manner, you may subject yourself to a "he said - she said" situation.

Attorney, attorney, attorney - as soon as your feet can carry you.

 

[tryingtoplease]

Watch out for the mental health aspect of this neighbors situation too. My BIL was murdered by a "little old lady" (63 yo) who was found to be a paranoid delusional. During the trial, we heard all about her hit list of other people she had planned on murdering but got caught before completing her list. On the hit list was her neighbor with whom she had an ongoing battle over a fence and a dog. And guess what? Her name actually WAS Anita! (Insert Twilight Zone music here). Just something to keep in mind once you get a lawyer into the situation. Sometimes that'll amp em up so be prepared in case she is a bit unstable.

 

[Florid-aise]

Watch out for the mental health aspect of this neighbors situation too. My BIL was murdered by a "little old lady" (63 yo) who was found to be a paranoid delusional. During the trial, we heard all about her hit list of other people she had planned on murdering but got caught before completing her list. On the hit list was her neighbor with whom she had an ongoing battle over a fence and a dog. And guess what? Her name actually WAS Anita! (Insert Twilight Zone music here). Just something to keep in mind once you get a lawyer into the situation. Sometimes that'll amp em up so be prepared in case she is a bit unstable.

Now THAT little anecdote is spooooooky ! ! Scary spooky !

Based on your original post, jlr33707; coupled with this new and uncanny version of "granny-itis"; makes it only all the more urgent that you seek legal counsel, and that you get a "Louisville Slugger" of your very own.

That music? Where is it coming from?

 

[kmo199]

The waterhose would definitely have served its purpose.
Eventhough considered an assault, it sounds perfectly
logical and intrigueing to cool this maniac down
in such a way; literally.

 

[jlr33707]

thanks

I greatly appriciate all of the replies and advise I have recieved from this forum and my wife and I are seeking legal counsel. The first time we had a police officer at our home concerning Anita and the problems we were having he suggested we write down details of events for easy referance in the future. He said it would aid both the police and a lawyer if come to a point where we needed a lawyer.
I would like to post what we call the "crazy lady time line" for this boards review. The time line is a much more detailed account of the events that has lead us to where we are at today. The time line only contains events that we were involved in with Anita and doesn't include events some of our other neighbors have been involed in. I would like to breifly explain two other events of two other neighbor.
The first from Marsha who live across the steet frm Anita. Marsha explained to us as follows, About 7 years ago when Anita first moved into neighborhood she had complained about her car not starting. Marsha's son took alook at the car and determined her battery had died. Marsha's son offered to charge battery for her and took the battery across tyhe street to his garage and placed it on the charger. A couple of hours later the police showed up at Marsha's home, Anita claimed they stole her battery.
The second events happened this past April. Jay lives on the othe side of Anita and has lived there since the development was first built in the late 1950s. Jay is in his 70s but is sharp as a tack. One evening at dinner time will he had his daughter and 2 small grandkids Anita burst through the front door and stated ranting about leafs that had fallen from his tree and were now in her yard. Jay told Anita to leave or he would call police, she left. It gets better. The next day the police arrived and informed Jay that Anita had filed for a restaining order and he had to appear in court the next day. It was trown out of court in about 90 seconds.
Please see next post intitled "Crazy lady time line". Any input or advice is gratly appreciated.

 

[jlr33707]

crazy lady time line....part 1

MID OCT 2003;
Ms Scott gave us ½ jar grape jelly and pretzels as welcome present. Began to negatively gossip about surrounding neighbors claiming most were thieves and her opinion of their personal problems.

MID OCT THRU DEC 2003;
We constantly found Ms Scott ( in her nightgown at times ) wondering around house and peering through our windows. Once while I was in the bathroom she came to the open window and started discussing that our cats didn’t like each other. I explained that I was using the bathroom and would meet her out front to discuss matter. Once out front I explained to her how she had badly startled me and to please not walk up and look through windows.
Fiona and I figured Ms Scott was more than a little eccentric but we thought this would not be a problem since we planned on installing a fence.
To try and keep good neighbor relations, we gave Ms. Scott a coffee mug with bear for Christmas.

EARLY JAN 2004;
Ms Scott blew up at Jim about proposed fence line.

MID JAN 2004;
Spoke with Mr Ogady with code compliance. Asked questions about installing fence and concerns with neighbors objection to fence. He informed me she had no say in the matter, we could put the fence right on property line, and we didn’t need a permit. Mr Ogrady advised me to keep fence off property line at least 4 inches to avoid future problems with neighbor. He informed me if fence is right on line then she could do anything she likes to her side. We decided to keep fence off line at least 12 inches to avoid any problems.

JAN 26TH 2004;
Ms Scott burst through front door of our house uninvited and verbally abused AC workmen and Mrs Joan Burns (Fiona’s mother). She was very upset that we were having central heating and air installed.

FEB 4TH 2004;
Ms Scott placed letter in our mail box dated Feb 1st. Letter states that our cat has been jumping onto her window ledge and she will hold us responsible if window is broken, also states her property line is 4 to 6 feet closer to our house than her fence.

MID FEB 2004;
Supervisor from Action Air (AC Contractor) came to inspect placement of outside AC unit. Informed us that Ms Scott had filed noise complaint with code enforcement. Supervisor advised us that unit is well with in code requirements. A few days after code enforcement came to inspect unit, he informed us that the placement of outside unit was in compliance with code and that the complaint was unfounded.

EARLY MARCH 2004;
We spoke with Ms Scott again about proposed fence line. We provided her with a copy of survey showing her property line. She stated that one of the plants which was on our side of line was her’s and we offered to relocate plant to where ever in her yard she wanted. Ms Scott agreed to this and we began to install fence.

MID MARCH 2004;
We had installed fence completely in backyard except for area between our house and Ms Scott’s house. We removed plant Ms Scott claimed as her’s and when we asked where to relocated as agreed earlier she informed us that she had changed her mind and that she didn’t want us to put fence up. She didn’t want the plant and she would call the authorities and have them makes us take down fence. We continued to complete fence with her hovering, trying to cause damage to fence post, and verbally abusing us the hole time. Once we completed fence Ms Scott place concrete blocks, rusty bikes, and rubbish at end of fence will over property line. We moved rubbish back over to her side of line only to have her move it back to our side.

MARCH 28TH 2004;
Ms Scott put letter in our mail box demanding $112 for tropical plant. The letter also stated our fence was 6 to 10 inches onto her property.

MARCH 10TH 2004;
Fiona sent registered letter to Ms Scott telling her to stop the harassment.

LATE MARCH 2004;
We received visit from code inspector again, Ms Scott have filed another complaint about AC unit and fence. Again inspector determined complaint was unfounded.


MID APRIL 2004;
Ms Scott left bag with can of yams, opened ½ box mac and cheese, unopened box mac and cheese, and 4 loose tea bags. I saw her as she walked up to the door. By the time I got the door open Ms Scott had turned and was walking away from front door. She had a paint roller on an extension holding it over her shoulder. I asked “What is this?”, she didn’t answer and kept walking.

MAY 28TH 2004;
Approximately 10am I noticed digging at fence gate located on Ms Scott’s side of our house. I got camera and took pictures.


JUNE 1ST 2004;
I spoke with Officer Barns (community police officer) by phone and informed him of the difficulties we have been having with Ms Scott. He informed me that there was nothing he could do to help us, however, anything that she places on our side of property line we could remove and dispose of it.

JUNE 4TH 2004;
We move blocks, trash cans, porter weed, and other rubbish to Ms Scott’s side of property line. We then installed 16 feet of trellis to end of fence. Later that evening Ms Scott again placed blocks, cans, and rubbish at the end of the trellis, we removed all items except trash cans. We moved cans back to her side of line. We didn’t dispose of items, instead we placed them on other side of our house.

JUNE 5TH 2004;
Approximately 10am we found Ms Scott attaching he trash can to the end of the trellis with rope. When we intervened Ms Scott got very confrontational, we then called police for assistance.
Ms. Scott was ranting at that point making wild comments and accusations that Sean and I should be in Iraq fighting for or country and that we were “un-patriotic and cowards“. Also, that our other neighbors were “convicted felons” and “why don’t we move”. She screamed she would take us to court because we were stealing her property and that she had plated bushes over on our property before we bought the house 2 years ago and “that makes it HER property now.
Officer Martini of the SPPD arrived shortly after we called with another officer. Mr Martini came over to speak with us ( Fiona, Sean, and myself ), the other officer went and spoke with Ms Scott. We informed Mr Martini of the problems we were having with Ms Scott and he then went next door to speak with her. The other
officer then came over to us while Mr Martini was with Ms Scott. He wanted to know about the items we removed from our side of property line. We showed him the items, he then returned next door. Within 10 minutes of returning next door the other officer got in his patrol car and left.
After about 45 minutes Mr Martini returned to us and we began to discuss the situation. He told us that Ms Scott had a long list of complaints about us that were simple ridiculous. In her words…
*“I can hear their business in the bathroom”
*“Sean was a ******”
And many other ridiculous statements.
Mr Martini said he ask her what could be done to make this right so she would leave us alone, she stated she wanted us to take down our fence and pay half the cost of a carport for her property. (Ironically, Ms. Scott does not own a functioning car)
Mr Martini explained to us that there was nothing he could do to help us because “it’s not against the law to be crazy”. We asked Mr. Martini to trespass her, he explained that this would do no good because she wouldn’t understand it and not abide by it. He explained that he would contact the community police officer and try to set up a mediation to help resolve problems. We have never heard back from Mr. Martini.

 

[jlr33707]

crazy lady time line......part 2

JUNE 7TH 2004;
Survey crew arrives at Ms Scott’s house approximately 11am. One of the guys explains to Sean and me that Ms Scott has requested the property be re-flagged. The survey crew places flags and informs Sean and me that our fence is 18 inches off property line.
I asked surveyor if I and Sean could be present when he shows Ms Scott copy of survey. The surveyor informed me that he was having supervisor come out later and discuss it with her due to the fact that last time survey was done for Ms Scott she blew up and verbally abused them. He also informed me that Ms Scott has always known where property line was, she simple will not except it. I do not know if supervisor came out to explain survey. Approximately 4:45pm Officer King of the SPPD arrives and informs us Ms Scott have called a stalking complaint in against me. Mr King explained that Ms Scott is trying to have me arrested for stalking because of the pictures I took of her on May 28th when she was in our yard digging up our fence. Mr King informed us that this was ridiculous and it would not go any further. We explained to Mr King the problems we have been having with Ms Scott and asked if there is anything he can do to help us. Mr King informed us “it’s not against the law to be crazy”.


JUNE 8TH 2004;
We plant 10 hibiscus bushes at end of trellis down to street. Center of bush line measures 20 inches from survey flag placed by survey crew.

JUNE 9TH 2004;
Ms Scott puts up makeshift sign and cord fence with no trespassing signs.

LATE JUNE 2004;
Received visit from code inspector, Ms Scott file another complained about AC unit and fence. Again it was unfounded.

JULY 9TH 2004;
Sean takes Ms Scott’s makeshift sign which has fallen over into our hibiscus bush and stands it back up. That evening when we returned home we discovered Ms Scott had pulled one of our new bushes up and disposed of it.

JULY 10TH 2004;
We called SPPD for assistance. Officer Mullinux of the SPPD arrived shortly after we called. We (Jim, Fiona, and Mrs Joan Burns) explained to Mr Mullinux the past and present problems we were having with Ms Scott. We informed him that Mr. Martini said he would contact community officer and set up mediation, he informed us that Mr. Barns had retired and mediation program cancelled due to lack of funding. Mr. Mullinux went next door to speak with Ms Scott but she would not come to the door. Mr Mullinux returned and we discussed her mental state. Mr Mullinux explained to us he had been called about Ms Scott before. He explained he responded to a call at Winn Dixie Grocery Store concerning a complaint the store had made against Ms Scott. That she had been wandering confused and dirty. The detective called her daughter and the daughter was supposed to come down from Louisiana and take her to live with them. (this was several years ago) We asked if it would be possible for us to get the daughters number so that he might mediate a conclusion to our difficulties. Unfortunately, the officer had no idea how to get the number. We asked the officer what could be done about the situation and he informed us “it’s not against the law to be crazy”.

JULY 12TH 2004;
Ms Scott moves makeshift sign, fence, and survey flag closer to bushes.

JULY 14TH 2004;
We had dinner guest arriving approximately 6pm, Ms Scott was in her front yard acting hostile (pacing and glaring).
Approximately 7pm SPFD arrived at house. We were informed they received a call about a fire in the backyard. We were using our gas BBQ grill to prepare our meal. We also were using our copper fire pit with protective screen. The firemen determined everything was in perfect order and there was no threat of fire. They apologized for disturbance and left.

JULY 15TH 2004;
Ms Scott bragged about calling SPFD on us the night before.

JULY 16TH 2004;
We filled complaint with code compliance for trash can. Request #251534, Inspector was sent out and no violation was found.

JULY 22ND 2004;
Ms Scott starts putting bags of debris at street well over property line.

JULY 23RD 2004;
Posted notice for her to move her stuff back to her side of line or we would remove and dispose of her stuff . Ms Scott moves stuff closer. Now makeshift sign, fence, and can on top of new hibiscus bushes. She spray painted line down the middle of bush line. Also she spray painted over property line make at curb with white paint and put new mark in black on curb closer to bush line.

JULY 24TH 2004;
Ms Scott post new sign threating to damage fence with paint if we touch anything.

JULY 26TH 2004;
I spoke with officer Gionet, community police officer covering zone 92 until position is filled. Explained problems we are having with Ms Scott and gave him copy of this time line. After reading time line Mr. Gionet went next door to speak with Ms Scott. After about 30 minutes Mr. Gionet returned, he said he tried to discuss property line issue but she refused to accept where property line is located. He told her that she was on notice and to stop the harassment immediately. She told him we had paid him off and slammed the door in his face. Mr. Gionet said he would use his resources to possibly get mental evaluation for Ms Scott. He would contact zoning and have them remove her stuff from our side of property line. He gave us card with report # 2004-48142 and instructed us if more problem call police immediately. He wanted us to have responding officer to use same report #. He said he would call tomorrow by 12 noon with more information. The officer and I found where Ms Scott put black paint on fence.

JULY 27TH 2004;
Mr. Gionet called about 10am. The agency he spoke of yesterday wouldn’t help Ms Scott because it’s for senior citizen who are victims of crimes. He said he had other resources and is actively seeking emotional help for Ms Scott. He also asked if there where any new developments since he was here yesterday, I informed him there were none.
Mr. Gionet called back at 3pm, he has found case worker to evaluate Ms Scott. He said someone would contact me within 48hours, if not, call him back.

AUGUST 3RD 2004
I spoke with Mr. Gionet by phone. He informed me that a social worker visited Ms Scott on July 28th but Ms Scott would not cooperate. He said the social worker would try again next week. He explained Ex Parte Order to me and suggested that I and two other neighbors file Ex Parte Order. I told him I would talk with neighbors about it and call him back.

 

[jlr33707]

crazy lady time line.......part 3

SEPTEMBER 7TH 2004
Approximately 6pm Ms Scott started yelling obscenities across backyard fence, I returned in kind. She was upset because her make-shift sign was gone. (Sept 5th and 6th is when tropical storm Frances past through St. Petersburg.) I left message on Mr. Gionet’s voice mail.

SEPTEMBER 8TH 2004
Officer Mauch of SPPD arrived and informed me Ms Scott was at Police station trying to bring changes against me for threatening her the night before. He explained to me she showed up with her survey claiming our fence and bushes or over line. Mr. Mauch said he tried to show her on her survey where property line is but she wasn’t excepting it. He explained there was nothing he could do because there is no violation of property line. Mr. Mauch explained she then made allegations of me threatening her. Mr. Mauch told me this would go no further.

SEPTEMBER 11TH 2004
Fiona watched as Ms Scott caused extreme damage to bushes with her weed eater.

SEPTEMBER 13TH 2004
Officer Gionet called and ask if he could stop by with our new Community Police Officer. They arrived 10 minutes later and Mr. Gionet introduced Officer Smallen. After reviewing recent encounters with Ms Scott Officer Gionet ask if I had talked to neighbors about the Ex Parte order. I explained that Mr. Sizemore was all for it however Ms Garret didn’t seem like she wanted to get involved. He then explained that the Two of us would be sufficient and he would try to testify to the Judge. They then tried to get Ms Scott to answer door so they could formally trespass her but she would not come to door. The officers then left me a trespassing form to have completed by the next Officer Ms Scott calls.
Fiona and I returned from dinner and found where Ms Scott has piled debris at the end of bush line.

SEPTEMBER 17TH 2004
Spoke with officer Smallens by phone. I explained concerns about Baker Act and explained why we were reluctant to proceed. Officer Smallen suggested we install video surveillance.

OCTOBER 4th 2004
Installed surveillance camera on front of house.

NOVEMBER 19TH 2004
Fiona and I found two piles of bird feathers inside back privacy fence with notes. (see attached)

NOVEMBER 21ST 2004
Upon reviewing video tape we discovered Ms Scott peering through our bedroom window with binoculars.

NOVEMBER 22ND 2004
Left message on Officer Smallens voicemail briefly explaining notes in backyard and peeping tom incident, I asked that he give me a call when her returns to duty.

NOVEMBER 23rd 2004
Officer Guronda arrived with another officer and informed me Ms Scott reported that someone had urinated in our driveway the previous Sunday night. I explained briefly the problems we have had with Ms Scott and recently Ms Scott had left note in our backyard inside privacy fence and that we had a video tape of her peeping through bedroom window with binoculars. Officer Guronda would not review tape. I then brought trespassing form for her to formally trespass Ms Scott. Officer Guronda did formally trespass Ms Scott and in turn Ms Scott had myself and Sean formally trespassed. I then asked Officer Guronda to have Ms Scott to remove her trashcans from our property, she informed me that it was a civil matter and she could not do that. I then asked her to address the peeping tom incident, again she informed me that this was also a civil matter and she could do nothing.

DECEMBER 9TH 2004
Officer Smallen arrived approx 6:45pm, We reviewed video tapes of 11/21/04 (Ms Scott using binoculars to look in our bedroom window.), 11/29/04 (Ms Scott dragging trashcan through our bushes clearly causing damage.), 12/6/04 (Ms Scott again dragging trashcan through our bushes causing damage.) 12/6/04 (Ms Scott moving trashcan wearing a coat over her head). Officer Smallen explained that Ms Scott had explained to another police officer that she was trying to read sign on our bedroom window warning of video surveillance. We also reviewed the two letters Ms Scott put in our backyard. Officer Smallen again tried to get Ms Scott to answer door but again she would not. He then prepared hand written letter informing her that he had reviewed tapes and She needed to remove her trashcans from our property. He placed letter on her front door and left.

 

[kmo199]

It is evident that the police don't want much involvement,
and despite the evidence you have shown them,
they hardly did anything effective to solve this.

Drag the old bat to court and sue her for property damages,
continual herassment, etc.

If not, consider moving.

Good luck and all the best.

 

[HomeGuru]

Wow, the poster is writing chapters.

 

[tryingtoplease]

Wow, that timeline is somethin else! Looking at this from outisde the situation, it appears that her irrational behavior is increasing, which isn't a good sign. Either I missed it, or it wasn't posted. How did that mental health exam go? Does anyone really think a rational, healthy person would do these types of things?

Keep keeping track of these things. In the case of my BIL's murderer, once the people on Anita's hit list all came together and testified in court, it became clear that she should have/could have been stopped if all the facts were known. Problem was, there was a neighbor here, an ex employer there and so on and no one knew each other, but they all knew Anita! BTW she was found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. The law hurts sometimes and you're experiencing that to a certain level.

Bottom line, as I see it, is that she's not going to wake up tomorrow and decide to drop this whole thing. So do what you have to do, but don't put it past her to do something you never dreamed of. Protect yourself.

 

[dogstooth]

This is nonsense

Why dont you go to district court and file a no contact/restraining order. Then the next time this crazy comes by, call the police, and they'll HAVE to take her to jail. Then she'll have to explain to the judge why she spoke with you. Do this a couple times and I'll bet it will stop...