A squatter has taken residence in my rental property

[Rob J.]

Looking for feedback. I have a lease with a renter who moved on January 19th. After moving him out, his mother moved in and changed the locks. The police were called to remove her as trespasser, but the officers would not because she stated she had lived there the whole time. The eviction process has been started. However, we are now having water damage in the apartment below. She will not allow us in to fix the problem. My only option is to either allow the damage or cut the water off. As you know, cutting utilities off to a tenant is frowned upon by judges. My intention is to take pictures and show proof of damage and then cut the watewr off. Any thoughts?