A homeowner in Oregon made a shocking discovery when they heard strange noises and found a man living in their condo’s crawl space. The 40-year-old man had created a makeshift living area complete with a bed, television, lights, and other personal belongings. Squatter in Crawl Space.
The squatter, identified as Beniamin Bucur, had been secretly living in the furnished crawl space for an extended period before residents discovered his hidden setup. Police found the man living in what they described as a tricked-out den beneath the Happy Valley condominium complex.
The discovery led to burglary charges against the man, who had transformed the crawl space into a complete living area without the property owner’s knowledge or permission. This case highlights a growing concern about unauthorized occupants finding creative ways to live on private property.
Key Takeaways – Squatter in Crawl Space
- A 40-year-old man was found living in a fully furnished crawl space beneath an Oregon condominium for an extended time.
- The hidden living area included a bed, television, lights, and other personal items that the squatter had installed.
- The man was arrested and charged with burglary after homeowners heard strange noises and discovered his secret setup.
Discovery of the Fully Furnished Crawl Space Living Area
The discovery of Benjamin Bucur’s elaborate living setup in a Clackamas County condominium crawl space began with reports of suspicious activity and unexplained sounds. A witness’s alert observation and the property owner’s growing concerns about strange noises ultimately led to the shocking revelation of a fully equipped underground dwelling.
Initial Signs and Strange Noises
The property owner had been hearing strange noises coming from beneath the condominium for weeks before taking action. These unexplained sounds occurred at various times but were frequent enough to cause concern.
Despite the ongoing disturbances, the owner initially chose not to investigate the source of the noise. The sounds appeared to be coming from areas where no one should have been present.
The noises likely included movement, shuffling, and possibly electronic devices being used in the crawl space. These sounds would have been especially noticeable during quiet periods when normal building operations had ceased.
The owner’s decision to finally investigate came only after a witness reported suspicious activity around the building late at night.
Role of Witnesses and Homeowner
A witness contacted Clackamas County deputies after 11 p.m. when they spotted a man parking his car and walking behind the condominium building. The witness determined the man did not appear to live in the complex.
The concerned resident followed the suspicious individual and discovered an open door leading to a crawl space. Light was visible coming from inside the space before someone quickly closed the door.
This witness testimony provided deputies with the evidence needed to investigate further. The property owner confirmed that no one had permission to live in that area and no lighting had been installed in the crawl space.
The combination of witness reports and the owner’s confirmation of unauthorized access gave law enforcement grounds to breach the locked door.
Conditions Inside the Crawl Space
Deputies discovered Benjamin Bucur living in a remarkably furnished underground space in the Oregon condominium. The 40-year-old had transformed the cramped area into a functional living quarters.
Items found in the crawl space:
- Bed for sleeping
- Television mounted on a beam
- Hanging lights suspended from overhead
- Electric fan for ventilation
- Phone chargers and electronic devices
- Extension cord run through a vent for power
Bucur had taken significant steps to improve the crawl space conditions and was clearly residing there full-time. The setup included basic necessities for extended habitation.
Law enforcement also discovered a pipe with white residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. This finding added drug possession charges to the burglary allegations against the squatter.
Investigation, Arrest, and Legal Implications
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation that led to serious criminal charges and the discovery of illegal substances. The case resulted in immediate arrest and detention at the county jail facility.
Law Enforcement Response and Entry
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of suspicious activity in the residential crawl space. Deputies arrived at the scene and began coordinating their approach to safely remove the individual from the confined area.
Officers had to navigate the two-foot-high crawl space to reach the suspect. The tight quarters made the arrest challenging and required specialized tactics.
A SWAT team was called to assist with the removal process. The prolonged effort to remove him took several hours to complete safely.
Law enforcement used gas to force the individual out of the crawl space. This tactical decision came after the suspect refused to exit voluntarily when commanded by officers.
Charges and Substance Discovery
The suspect faced first-degree burglary charges for illegally entering and occupying the property. This felony charge carries significant penalties under state law.
Investigators also discovered methamphetamine during the arrest. The unlawful possession of meth added a second serious charge to the case.
The unlawful possession charge stems from controlled substance laws. Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance with strict possession penalties.
Additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues. Property damage and utility theft are being evaluated by prosecutors.
Custody, Bail, and Community Reaction
The suspect was immediately transported to Clackamas County Jail following the arrest. Booking procedures were completed in the early morning hours after the lengthy removal process.
Jail records show the individual was held on the burglary and drug possession charges. Bail was set according to standard procedures for these types of felony offenses.
The homeowner expressed shock at discovering the furnished living area that had been constructed without their knowledge. Neighbors reported feeling unsafe after learning about the incident.
Local residents have increased security measures around their properties. Many are now checking crawl spaces and other hidden areas of their homes more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Property owners face specific legal procedures when dealing with squatters in crawl spaces, requiring formal eviction processes rather than self-help removal. Health risks, security measures, and law enforcement involvement follow established protocols for unauthorized occupants.
What are the legal implications for someone who discovers a squatter living in their crawl space?
A squatter in a crawl space creates a civil legal matter rather than a criminal one. Property owners must follow formal eviction procedures to legally remove the occupant.
The first step involves serving a written “Notice to Quit.” This document gives the squatter a deadline to leave the property. Time frames vary by state, with Texas requiring 3 days, Illinois 5 days, and New York 10 days.
Property owners cannot take matters into their own hands. Changing locks, shutting off utilities, or using force is illegal. These actions can result in the owner being sued by the squatter for damages.
If the squatter refuses to leave after the notice period, the owner must file an unlawful detainer lawsuit. Court filing fees range from $15 in Maryland to $450 in California. The owner must prove property ownership and proper notice service in court.
How should a homeowner secure a crawl space to prevent unauthorized habitation?
Access points require secure barriers to prevent entry. Metal doors with heavy-duty locks work better than wooden panels. Multiple entry points need individual security measures.
Ventilation screens should use heavy-gauge wire mesh instead of standard screening. The mesh openings should be small enough to prevent human entry while maintaining airflow.
Motion-activated lighting around crawl space entrances deters unauthorized access. Solar-powered options work well in areas without electrical connections.
Regular inspections help identify security weaknesses. Property owners should check access points monthly for signs of tampering or damage.
What steps can be taken to safely remove a squatter found living in a crawl space?
Direct confrontation poses safety risks and legal problems. Property owners should avoid entering the crawl space while the squatter is present.
Documentation comes first. Take photos of the living setup, personal belongings, and any modifications made to the space. This evidence supports legal proceedings.
Serving proper legal notice starts the removal process. The notice must comply with state requirements for timing and delivery methods.
Professional process servers ensure proper legal service. Costs range from $40 to $100 but protect the owner from procedural errors.
After the notice period expires, filing an eviction lawsuit becomes necessary. Only law enforcement can physically remove the squatter after obtaining a court order.
What kind of assistance can local authorities provide in the case of discovering a squatter?
Police typically cannot remove squatters on initial complaints because it involves civil rather than criminal law. They require a court order to take action.
Officers may perform welfare checks if health or safety concerns exist. This includes situations with unsafe living conditions or potential mental health issues.
Some jurisdictions offer mediation services through community programs. These help property owners navigate legal requirements without immediate court involvement.
Sheriff’s departments execute court-ordered evictions after owners obtain writs of possession. Service fees vary from $48 in Arizona to over $300 in Philadelphia.
Code enforcement may inspect for building violations if the squatter made structural changes. This can strengthen the owner’s legal case.
Are there any health or safety risks associated with someone squatting in a residential crawl space?
Crawl spaces naturally accumulate moisture, creating mold growth risks. Human habitation increases humidity levels and bacterial contamination.
Electrical hazards multiply when squatters install unauthorized wiring or heating devices. Fire risks increase significantly with makeshift electrical connections.
Structural damage occurs when supports are modified for living space. Load-bearing elements may be compromised without proper engineering.
Carbon monoxide poisoning risks arise from portable heaters or cooking equipment in confined spaces. Poor ventilation traps dangerous gases.
Contamination from human waste affects the entire property if proper sanitation is lacking. This creates health hazards for legitimate occupants above.
How frequently do incidents of squatters occupying crawl spaces occur, and what trends have been observed?
Exact statistics remain limited due to underreporting and classification differences between jurisdictions. Many incidents go unreported until discovered during property inspections or maintenance.
Urban areas with housing shortages see higher rates of creative squatting solutions. Crawl spaces offer concealment advantages over more visible structures.
Seasonal patterns show increases during colder months when shelter becomes more critical. Spring property maintenance often reveals winter occupation.
Economic downturns correlate with increased squatting incidents across all property types. Crawl spaces become attractive due to their hidden nature.
Detection typically occurs through utility usage spikes, unusual odors, or neighbors reporting activity. Property inspections reveal most cases during routine maintenance visits.
