Converted Crawl Space in Condo Used as Secret Home
Ultimately Charged with Burglary and Illegal Possession
An incident reminiscent of the film "Parasite" has shocked the United States. In a condominium complex in Oregon, a man in his 40s created a hideout inside the building's "secret space," complete with a bed and TV, and secretly lived there for several months before recently being discovered by residents. On September 5 (local time), international media outlets including the Daily Mail reported that police had arrested Benjamin Burke, a man in his 40s who had converted a "crawl space" (a narrow area beneath the floor) in a condominium near Happy Valley, a suburb of Portland, into a living space and used it as his home.
In an Oregon condominium complex, a man in his 40s created a hideout inside the building's "secret space," complete with a bed and TV, and secretly lived there for several months before recently being discovered by residents. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
During the search of the scene, the police discovered a secret living space in an area that is generally inaccessible due to the building's structure. This space contained a bed, television, lighting, chargers, and various electronic devices, all connected to the building's power supply. Burke was receiving electricity through an extension cord illegally connected to the building's electrical system, and a pipe with traces of methamphetamine was also found. Methamphetamine is a drug that induces hallucinations by stimulating the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
During the search of the scene, the police discovered a secret living space connected to the building's power supply, containing various electronic devices such as a bed, television, lighting, and chargers in an area that is generally inaccessible due to the building's structure. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Burke has been charged with first-degree burglary and illegal possession of methamphetamine. The investigation began with a tip from a resident. A witness reported seeing a man who did not live in the complex park his car and loiter behind the building. The witness also stated that they saw light coming from inside the building before a door suddenly closed.
After hearing this report, the building owner visited the location to check. However, when the owner was unable to open the door with their own key, they called the police. The police forced the door open and confirmed the illegal occupancy. According to the police investigation, Burke, who had been living there illegally, already had multiple prior convictions for theft and assault. He is currently being held at the Clackamas County Jail, and the judge, considering his risk of flight and reoffending, set his bail at $75,000 (approximately 100 million won).
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