A day after KTLA reported on denizens of a rooftop homeless encampment terrorizing a doctor’s office in south-central Los Angeles County, city officials released a statement saying they are continuing “to address the challenges associated with the unhoused population” at the location.
Dr. Tahani Soliman, a general practitioner, in Huntington Park owns the building she runs her practice out of at the corner of Rugby and Zoe avenues.
A multi-level parking garage next door to her practice has reportedly been a hub for unhoused people, who are easily able to access her roof, camp out, steal electricity and scrap metal from her air-conditioning units and start fires.
The doctor said she estimates she’s spent more than $100,000 on repairs and deterrents such as barbed wire and a fence that the homeless simply tear down. Staff told KTLA that police said there was little they could do and that Soliman’s calls to city officials were never returned.
Frustrated and angry about the lack of support for her business, staff and patients, said she’s had enough.
“We are living in hell,” Soliman said. No protection for my employees, for my patients or my tenants. That’s why I’m going to retire, because of this, I lost everything.”
In a news release, the Huntington Park Police Department said that it is actively investigating a May 7th theft that occurred at 6526 Rugby Avenue, which is Dr. Soliman’s building.
While authorities did not mention the May 27th fire at the parking garage encampment, the alleged electricity theft from the doctor’s building or the damaged air conditioning units, officials said they were committed to ensuring public safety.
“Our officers regularly engage unhoused with unhoused individuals, connecting them to mental health services, social support programs and shelter options in collaboration with city and county partners,” the statement said.
Officials added that they are working with community stakeholders to investigate the matter at Soliman’s building, as well as addressing broader issues affecting surrounding neighborhoods.
Anyone with information about the May 7th theft is encouraged to contact HPPD Lt. Soberanis at 323-826-6636. Additional questions can be directed to Lt. Elsa Cobian at 323-826-6695.
Those wishing to report concerns or individuals seeking assistance can call the Unhoused Hotline at 323-926-1393.
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