Homeless Man Arrested for Living Underground

[Atlantis]

Source: Sky News
A homeless man has been charged with destruction of property after police discovered a 15ft-deep cave in a park - complete with living room and bedroom.

Yosue Joel Rios was arrested in Fairfax, Virginia, after the man-made hole was found in Van Dyck Park following a tip-off to police.

The 25-year-old was detained, and it was also discovered he was wanted for failing to appear on a traffic charge in Arlington County.

The cave, which features steps down to the two "rooms", was covered with plywood and leaves, according to Fairfax police.

Video footage showed books, papers and other items on the floor at the bottom of the steps.

Sergeant Natalie Hinesley told NBC Philadelphia: "I haven't seen anything like it.

"He was studying several topics, from what it looked like. He had an alphabet written out with the sounds."

Officers also found a spade, trowel and pick axe instead the cave.

The Department of Public Works filled in the cave with dirt on Monday. It was unclear how long Rios had been living there.

[sqishy]

Oh, what a horrible disrespectful crime!
...

[Uniquemind]

That's like a child's dream fort come true.

Awesome homeless guy.

[Atlantis]

Oh, what a horrible disrespectful crime!
...

Paraxiom

Really? If you had nowhere to live, what would you do? Yes he shouldn't have done it, but he had no other option really.

[amgb]

Wow, this a first for me. But I mean, to get to the point where you actually decide to physically build and make yourself a home...and he did it all by himself. Getting arrested and detained though, I think that's a little extreme. On second thoughts, I don't think it's a matter of should or shouldn't. It seemed like he was in desperate need of help and nobody was willing to provide that. If in the past he already did go to the police or some social service as soon as he could and nobody supported him and helped him in any way, I can understand why he'd do something like this. We would do anything to survive in society, even law breaking, even doing things the general person would view as crazy and insane. I don't view these things as crazy, I don't even think that building an underground home should be a 'crime', regardless of how much a property has been destroyed. I feel sorry for the man and although saying this won't help much, I just hope he gets the proper support and shelter he needs..

[sqishy]

Paraxiom

Really? If you had nowhere to live, what would you do? Yes he shouldn't have done it, but he had no other option really.

I was being sarcastic.

[lliam]

We always are suspicious of such people who don't live or want to live like as the rest of us. Especially in a city. Probably in a deserted area living in a cave wouldn't even be noticed. I like caves by the way.

[Melodic]

How nice that the police are giving him shelter, food, and warmth like he originally wanted!

[Drewboyy]

He was living comfortably, away from the elements while not paying taxes. He should've at least invited his hobo friends

[thatcountrykid]

Wow, this a first for me. But I mean, to get to the point where you actually decide to physically build and make yourself a home...and he did it all by himself. Getting arrested and detained though, I think that's a little extreme. On second thoughts, I don't think it's a matter of should or shouldn't. It seemed like he was in desperate need of help and nobody was willing to provide that. If in the past he already did go to the police or some social service as soon as he could and nobody supported him and helped him in any way, I can understand why he'd do something like this. We would do anything to survive in society, even law breaking, even doing things the general person would view as crazy and insane. I don't view these things as crazy, I don't even think that building an underground home should be a 'crime', regardless of how much a property has been destroyed. I feel sorry for the man and although saying this won't help much, I just hope he gets the proper support and shelter he needs..

He was also charged with failure to appear in court so he's obviously not a stand up guy

[amgb]

He was also charged with failure to appear in court so he's obviously not a stand up guy

You mean for the traffic charge?

On third thoughts, where would he have gotten all those books and papers from? Stealing, theft, robbery are crimes, even if it's for survival. That's something I'm not against. But still, he needs support. No matter what lands the homeless in their dire situations, they need support financially and in education. If not from strangers then at least from people whom they can trust.

[thatcountrykid]

You mean for the traffic charge?

On third thoughts, where would he have gotten all those books and papers from? Stealing, theft, robbery are crimes, even if it's for survival. That's something I'm not against. But still, he needs support. No matter what lands the homeless in their dire situations, they need support financially and if not from strangers then at least from people they can trust.

See I have an issue with people who steal from others. Necessity is not a valid plea for a crime. He knew his court date and didn't appear. I have no sympathy. Also where did you learn it was a traffic charge?

[amgb]

See I have an issue with people who steal from others. Necessity is not a valid plea for a crime. He knew his court date and didn't appear. I have no sympathy. Also where did you learn it was a traffic charge?

"The 25-year-old was detained, and it was also discovered he was wanted for failing to appear on a traffic charge.." in the top paragraph. Is this what you were referring to, or were you talking about something else?

True, necessity isn't an excuse. I understand, alot of people I know do not have sympathy for people in situations like this. It definitely was up to him whether he showed up or not, and he chose not to under his own circumstances. I guess it does come down to whether or not they choose to get the right and proper help.

[Hudor]

That's like a child's dream fort come true.

Awesome homeless guy.

Exactly my thoughts.
Also it sounds very much like a Peter Pan style abode.

[thatcountrykid]

"The 25-year-old was detained, and it was also discovered he was wanted for failing to appear on a traffic charge.." in the top paragraph. Is this what you were referring to, or were you talking about something else?

True, necessity isn't an excuse. I understand, alot of people I know do not have sympathy for people in situations like this. It definitely was up to him whether he showed up or not, and he chose not to under his own circumstances. I guess it does come down to whether or not they choose to get the right and proper help.

I apologize I missed the part about a traffic charge. I don't have sympathy for those in tough situations just not those who steal and victimize others instead of asking for help. He could have gone to a library or to the many organizations who help those struggling with being homeless.

[amgb]

I apologize I missed the part about a traffic charge. I don't have sympathy for those in tough situations just not those who steal and victimize others instead of asking for help. He could have gone to a library or to the many organizations who help those struggling with being homeless.

No need to apologise! I just get confused easily, but yeah I know what you mean and I do agree with you that it's important to know how to ask for help~

[Atlantis]

There has been a donation page set up to help this man - in the past four days it has already raised $2,425.

[amgb]

$2,425? That's amazing, I'm glad he's receiving help.

[Atlantis]

The donation level has now risen to $3118.

Excellent!

Hoping this doesn't count as a double post but this has now risen to $4017.



Yep, it counts. Next time, please use the "edit" button. -Alluring