Squatter found living secretly in Portland apartment building basement

A Portland resident has expressed his alarm after discovering that a squatter had been residing in the basement of his apartment building for several weeks. Wyatt Lanford, 28, detailed the unsettling experience in a viral TikTok video, recounting how he became aware of the squatter following unusual events within the property.

Lanford moved to Portland from Flagstaff, Arizona, and initially dismissed stories about squatters as "urban legends." However, he began noticing strange occurrences like missing laundry and packages after relocating to his new home. Describing his apartment as both "beautiful" and affordable, Lanford noted that despite some disturbances outside at night, it was generally a pleasant place to live.

The situation changed in late November during construction work near the building when someone reportedly allowed an unwell individual into the premises. Initially unaware of this entry, Lanford later heard disturbing noises such as "screaming and wailing" emanating from the hallway. Concerned these sounds might be from a neighbor, he described them as "animalistic growling," which frightened both him and his dog.

Building security eventually removed the intruder after an incident in the hallway. The management company informed residents via email about changing their access code due to a "recent security issue." Assuming this resolved matters, Lanford soon discovered otherwise.

In subsequent days, neighbors reported suspicious activities like attempted bike thefts. While walking his dog early one morning, Lanford encountered a "strange man" who quickly retreated into the basement upon being spotted.

"We've now learned that this man is living in our basement," Lanford stated. He explained that the squatter was stealing packages and clothing while moving around unnoticed by authorities or management.

Despite initial assumptions that these interactions were isolated incidents or misunderstandings with a socially awkward person, further evidence emerged confirming continued unauthorized presence in their building's basement. A neighbor's warning on the message board highlighted attempts by this individual to steal bikes.

Lanford expressed frustration over what he perceived as inadequate response efforts: "The property management company...is informed about the situation...I really feel like if someone is squatting in your residents' building you should let them know."

Following additional complaints from residents regarding safety concerns related to increased criminal activity associated with unauthorized occupancy at their complex—management installed more security cameras throughout both interior spaces (including laundry rooms) alongside exterior areas surrounding apartments hoping increased surveillance would deter future incidents involving potential trespassers attempting illegal entry onto private properties under false pretenses without permission granted beforehand legally binding contractual agreements between parties involved therein directly affected adversely thereby indirectly impacting overall quality-of-life experiences shared collectively among all those concerned equally alike together united front against common adversary posing threat public safety welfare interests protected paramount importance above everything else always ultimately ensuring peace mind tranquility restored fully regained lost temporarily disrupted briefly 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