• Missing items and unusual changes inside the home raised suspicions
• Suspect said he took shelter from severe weather conditions

In an unexpected incident in the U.S. state of Arkansas, a family discovered a man secretly living in their basement for what is believed to have been several days, after noticing missing food and changes in the placement of furniture inside the house.

According to homeowner Dutch Hoggatt, a professor at Harding University, a pair of shoes disappeared without a trace, while chairs were found moved to different locations inside the home. The family also began to suspect something unusual after noticing shortages in food supplies.

The household reported that some of their food had been eaten, including donuts and an apple that had been left in the house.

The family then began investigating the situation themselves, eventually discovering a person hiding in a storage space beneath the basement stairs.

A family member said the homeowner’s wife spotted part of the man’s leg inside the area, prompting her to retreat and call for help. Her son-in-law then entered the space carrying a baseball bat to secure the area.

When confronted, the man came out after being shouted at and was later taken into custody. He was identified as Preston Landis, 41, and charged with burglary and theft.

Family members suggested he may have been seeking shelter due to severe weather conditions in the area, while stressing that his actions were not acceptable.

Some relatives also expressed sympathy, saying he appeared to be in a difficult situation, though they emphasized that entering the home was unlawful.

The suspect reportedly apologized before leaving the property, expressing regret for what had happened.