PATROLMAN NOTICES FLICKERING FLAME: Reluctant squatter removed from boarded up building… [HN VIDEO]
HYANNIS – A homeless man is looking at trespassing related charges after police and firefighters had to break into a boarded up abandoned house after a patrolman spotted some type of open flame inside.
As you will see and hear in the following HN Video, shortly after 11:00 p.m. last evening, Barnstable Patrol Officers responded to Pleasant Street for a report of a man possibly crying out for help.
While investigating the area, a patrolman noticed what appeared to be some sort of controlled flickering flame on the second floor of a nearby abandoned building.
Officers tried to raise any occupants inside, but nobody responded.
Concerned about what could be a fire hazard, Hyannis Firefighters were summoned to the scene.
A firefighter climbed up a ladder and observed an inside fire in some type of can, along with a man inside a room on the second floor. The firefighter tried to encourage the man to open the window, but he would not cooperate.
Police Officers also unsuccessfully tried to have the man open the window…
Firefighters needed to pry and knock down plywood blocking the front door in order to gain entrance into the house.
As you will see in the video, police then entered the building and took into custody a homeless man who had apparently been squatting in the abandoned building.
Firefighters inspected the property and dealt with any fire hazards.
According to Barnstable Police Sergeant Michael Riley, the man was intoxicated and taken into protective custody. The apparent squatter is also looking at misdemeanor trespassing related charges…
Police and firefighters needed to take action because it was potentially a very hazardous situation involving an intoxicated individual and an open flame in an old abandoned building.
According to Sergeant Riley, the Barnstable Police Department will also try to get the man in contact with the appropriate services regarding his current situation.
CAUTION – The following video contains strong language, viewer discretion is advised…
[PRESS PLAY]
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law…
P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by Jimmy McGriff… [CRANK IT!]
