Oregon – In a startling event near Happy Valley, Oregon, authorities arrested Beniamin Bucur, a 40-year-old man, after he was found allegedly living in the crawl space of a condominium complex. This unexpected discovery unfolded late Wednesday night, revealing an unusual case of unauthorized residence combined with drug possession charges.
How the Unusual Discovery Unfolded
Deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday after a witness alerted them about a suspicious man parking his car and entering the back of a building within the condo complex, located approximately 16 miles outside Portland. The witness also noticed the crawl space door was ajar and illuminated from inside, then quickly closed.
Upon arrival, deputies found a damaged and locked door to the crawl space. With the property owner’s keys ineffective for entry, law enforcement was forced to breach the door. Inside, they discovered Bucur had installed various amenities, including:
- A bed for sleeping
- Lighting and multiple electronic devices such as TVs and chargers
These findings indicated Bucur had been living there for an extended period of time. The sheriff’s office described his efforts to improve the conditions inside the small, hidden area.
Charges and Evidence Found
Bucur was promptly arrested and faces serious charges including first-degree burglary and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Authorities discovered a pipe with white residue inside the crawl space, which tests confirmed to contain methamphetamine.
Following his arrest, Bucur was booked into the Clackamas County Jail, where his bail was set at $75,000 during a preliminary hearing held on Thursday. It remains unclear if Bucur has legal representation at this time.
Community Safety and Ongoing Investigation
The property owner had reported hearing unexplained noises coming from the crawl space prior to the discovery, but the extent of Bucur’s occupation was not known. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with further information about this case to come forward to aid the investigation.
“He had taken significant steps to improve the conditions of the crawl space and was obviously living inside,” the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office emphasized in their statement.
For more detailed information about the incident, visit the original report by NBC News.
What This Reveals About Hidden Occupancies
- This case highlights challenges property owners face with unauthorized living spaces within residential complexes.
- It raises awareness about potential safety hazards, including drug use and property damage.
- Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
Have you encountered any unusual living situations in your community? What are your thoughts on this case? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!