Man found living in condominium crawl space; meth residue discovered
Clackamas County deputies say a 40-year-old was secretly living in a crawl space at a Portland-area complex; authorities warn of health and safety hazards in improvised living spaces
A man was discovered living inside a crawl space at an Oregon condominium complex after a resident reported hearing "strange noises" coming from the walls, and deputies later found drug residue in the makeshift dwelling, authorities said.
Clackamas County deputies arrested Beniamin Bucur, 40, after investigators searching a crawl space at a complex near Happy Valley in suburban Portland found a bed, a television, lights, chargers and other electronics connected to the building's electrical system. Police also reported finding a pipe with methamphetamine residue in the space and charged Bucur with first-degree burglary and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Police said a witness observed a man who did not live at the complex park a vehicle there and move around the back of the building. The witness reportedly saw an open crawl-space door with light coming from inside before the door closed. When deputies arrived, they found the crawl-space door damaged and locked, and an extension cord running through a vent, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said.
The sheriff's office described the space as having been used for an "extended period of time." Deputies did not immediately release details about how long Bucur had been inside the crawl space or whether any residents had reported missing items.
Health and safety officials warn that crawl spaces are not designed for habitation and can present multiple hazards when used as living quarters. Improvised electrical connections such as extension cords run through vents can create fire and electrocution risks. The presence of methamphetamine residue raises concerns about chemical contamination that can pose acute and long-term health risks to anyone exposed and may necessitate professional remediation of affected areas.
Crawl spaces can also harbor moisture, mold, pests and accumulated waste, all of which can contribute to respiratory and other health problems for occupants of adjacent units. Building codes and housing standards typically prohibit living in such areas because they lack proper ventilation, sanitation, emergency egress and fire safety measures intended for living spaces.
Local authorities did not release information about whether the condominium association has ordered inspections or remediation of the crawl space or adjoining units. Public health guidance generally recommends that property owners and managers arrange professional cleaning and testing after suspected contamination by illicit drugs and that residents be notified of potential hazards.
Bucur's case will proceed through the Clackamas County courts on the burglary and drug-possession charges. The sheriff's office said the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.