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New Neighbors Hold Black Man, Family at Gunpoint

They thought the Kalonji family was trying to break into newly purchased home

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 22, 2012 3:49 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Kalonji family got a nasty surprise when it tried to change the locks on its newly-purchased Georgia home last week: Their new neighbors threatened them with guns, called the police, and had them arrested, WSBTV reports. Jean Kalonji says a man and someone who might have been his son pointed a gun at him and his wife. "He say to put the hands up and get out from the house otherwise he would shoot us," Kalonji said.

The neighbors thought the Kalonjis were breaking into the house, and didn't believe their protestations to the contrary. When police showed up, the family didn't have their closing papers with them, so they were arrested and charged with loitering and prowling. Kalonji, who grew up in the Congo, says the experience was all too familiar. "There, they put me down with the gun to my head," he said. "Here, the same."

This screenshot from WSBTV shows Jean Kalonji at the front door of his new home.
This screenshot from WSBTV shows Jean Kalonji at the front door of his new home.   (WSBTV)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 179 comments
teamhoneybadger
Apr 23, 2012 1:51 PM CDT
Well that'll be awkward at the neighborhood BBQ.
HarryBeaver
Apr 23, 2012 8:09 AM CDT
So are they charging the neighbors??????????
legalchisis
Apr 23, 2012 7:48 AM CDT
Wow the poor fellow came all the way here from the CONGO to this "land of the free" we so hypocritically brag about! Welcome to America Kalonji family!! I hope the Police THE NEIGHBOR are offering this man and his family an apology!! The audacity of some people!! 
 

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