Have you ever worried about leaving your home unattended while you’re on vacation? The thought of someone breaking in and invading your personal space is unsettling. But what if you came back from your trip to find not only your house clean but also someone living in it? That’s exactly what happened to a homeowner in Hattiesburg. Let’s dive into the unfolding of this surprising situation.
One fateful day, a homeless man named Robert Otis stumbled upon an empty house on Adeline Street. Little did he know that the owner was away for a week. Seizing the opportunity, Otis made himself at home.
To the homeowner’s astonishment, upon his return, he discovered his house occupied and immaculately cleaned. Laundry neatly folded on the living room chair and cooked food stocked in the fridge were just a couple of hints that someone had been living there. It was a puzzling sight for sure.
Curiosity piqued, the homeowner ventured outside, only to find Otis sweeping near the pool. When questioned about his presence, Otis claimed to be associated with the pool company. However, there was no pool company hired for the upkeep of the homeowner’s pool. Alarm bells rang in the homeowner’s mind.
Concerned for his safety, the homeowner retrieved his handgun and held Otis at gunpoint until the authorities arrived. Otis was subsequently arrested and charged with residential burglary. It became clear that Otis had gone beyond mere house-sitting.
According to the homeowner, Otis had diligently mopped and swept the floors, cleaned both refrigerators, and even indulged in the homeowner’s shrimp, chicken, and sausage. Not stopping there, Otis went ahead and cleaned the stovetop. To top it off, he washed his clothes, took a shower, and even occupied the homeowner’s bed, leaving his shoes neatly arranged. He was living in the house as if he owned it.
Unsurprisingly, the homeowner wished to remain anonymous. In his words, “He cleaned my floors, ate my shrimp, chicken, and sausage. He cleaned the stove top. He washed his clothes, showered, slept in my bed. He had his shoes all laid out. He was living here like he owned the place.” This bizarre incident leaves us questioning the boundaries of personal space and safety.
What are your thoughts on this peculiar scenario? Share your opinions with us in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this extraordinary tale with others to see what they make of it.
