Elevator Problems Make Wheelchair-Using Tenant A Prisoner In His Own Building

CHICAGO (CBS) – For some, a broken elevator is just an inconvenience. For one South Side man, a broken elevator means he is stuck.

That's because Xavier Gaston has a disability and can't get in or out of his apartment.

CBS 2's Audrina Bigos reports.

The elevator has been out for a week, Gaston says. The wheelchair-bound amputee says his safety is at stake.

"The elevators are my only option and way out of this building," says Gaston, who lives on the fourth floor.

Fortunately, there is one more elevator, but it breaks down, too. Last week, both elevators were not working, Gaston says.

"Could not get to my house," he says.

City officials have done three elevator inspections at the Beverly Hills Apartments and issued five code violations. The latest was on Feb. 6.

But so far no repairs have been made.

The owners could be fined up to $500 a day until the elevator is fixed. Right now, they owe about $142,000.

A hearing is set for later this year in May.

The landlord, with Walden Properties, declined comment.