Bronx Man Wields Hatchets, Demands Doors Open – Tenants Fear for Safety

Bronx Tenants Live in Fear as Hatchet-Wielding Neighbor Continues Years-Long Harassment Campaign

For residents of an apartment building in the Bronx’s Williamsbridge neighborhood, the sound of a hatchet banging against doors is no longer just a threat—it’s a daily reality. Anthony Orozco, a tenant whose violent behavior has terrorized neighbors for years, remains at large despite repeated police interventions and a building-wide effort to evict him. Video captured through a peephole shows Orozco, wearing a wig, standing outside a tenant’s door with a hatchet, shouting “Open your door!” in Spanish.

Tenants describe a pattern of harassment that has left them fearful and isolated. Alexandra Reina, one of the affected residents, said Orozco has used whatever he can find—hatchets, hammers, and even his own body—to intimidate neighbors. “Whatever he can find in his hands, he’s going to use it to bang down your door,” Reina said. “How can we live with somebody like that?”

Leonia Clemente, another tenant, called police after Orozco began swinging a hammer at her door. He was arrested and taken away in handcuffs, most recently last month, but the cycle of fear continues. Clemente described the constant anxiety of leaving her home. “It’s always scary to leave my house. I always have to look out the door both ways,” she said. “It’s every day, you never know what’s going to happen.”

Clemente has a temporary court-granted protection order against Orozco, but the harassment has persisted for years. Building management has initiated eviction proceedings, and the case is now before the Bronx Housing Court. Despite these efforts, Orozco remains in the building, leaving tenants to question when—or if—their safety will be restored.

“We need somebody to hear our voice and help us out,” Reina said. “Either get him out and get him some help, or he’s going to do something worse. He’s going to end up killing somebody.”

Orozco was charged last August with menacing his neighbors, but the status of that case is unclear. When confronted by NBC New York, Orozco denied any wrongdoing.

The situation has left an entire building on edge, with residents questioning how long they can continue to live under the threat of violence. The Bronx Housing Court will ultimately determine Orozco’s fate, but for now, the fear remains a daily part of life for those who call the Williamsbridge neighborhood home.

For those experiencing harassment or violence in their housing, local law enforcement and tenant advocacy organizations can provide support and resources. Residents are urged to document incidents and seek legal protection through the court system.