Man Found Secretly Living In Crawl Space Of Clackamas County Condo, Authorities Say – KXL

CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. – A man was discovered secretly living in the crawl space of a condominium near Happy Valley late Wednesday night, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded shortly before 11 p.m. on Sept. 3 to a condo complex on SE Old Town Court after a witness reported suspicious activity. The witness noticed a man — who did not appear to live in the area — parking his car and walking behind one of the buildings. Moments later, they observed light coming from an open crawl space door, which then shut.

When deputies arrived, they found the crawl space door damaged and locked. An extension cord was also seen running through a vent. After contacting the property owner, deputies learned no one was supposed to be inside the crawl space and that the owner had previously heard strange noises coming from beneath the unit.

The homeowner provided keys, but they did not work. Deputies then forced entry and discovered 40-year-old Beniamin Bucur living inside.

According to investigators, Bucur had transformed the crawl space into a livable area, complete with a bed, lighting, electronic devices, and chargers — all apparently powered using electricity from the home. Authorities believe he had been living there for some time.

Deputies also found a pipe containing a white substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Bucur was arrested and booked into the Clackamas County Jail on charges of first-degree burglary and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. At a preliminary hearing Thursday, a judge set his bail at $75,000.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949. Tips can also be submitted online or via the ClackCo Sheriff mobile app. Refer to case #25-018688.