onedef92
07-19-2012, 7:20am
Southern California man busted for building secret, camouflaged house and growing pot in public park
Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 11:13 PM
Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies discovered the secret spread Monday in a remote area of the Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary.
They said suspect Robert Downs, 51, admitted he’s been living in the park undetected for more than a year and began building the concealed crib gradually about eight months ago using materials from a home repair store.
The tiny house boasted four hand-crafted wood bunk beds built into the wood-paneled walls along with tables, shelves some humble decorations and even fire extinguishers in case of emergency, photos reveal.
A tidy rock patio in front of the house included a barbeque, cooler and tables.
An American Flag adorned the entrance.
“It is illegal to be in a Los Angeles County park after dark, let alone to build a structure and reside there,” authorities said in a statement.
Downs camouflaged the entire structure down to the tire of the wheelbarrow by cutting down trees and using camouflage tarp and paint, cops said.
During their investigation, deputies also found eight marijuana plants growing near the structure.
Downs was arrested for the pot and for removing trees from a county park.
He is being held in lieu of $30,000.00 bail with his first court appearance set for Wednesday.
Two other men from Sun Valley, aged 30 and 45, were found at the structure with Downs, issued citations and released.
The structure is set for demolition in the next two weeks, cops said.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/onedef92/park18n-4-web.jpg
Suspect Robert Downs admitted he’s been living in the California park undetected for more than a year and began building the concealed crib gradually about eight months ago using materials from a home repair store (and shit).
Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 11:13 PM
Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies discovered the secret spread Monday in a remote area of the Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary.
They said suspect Robert Downs, 51, admitted he’s been living in the park undetected for more than a year and began building the concealed crib gradually about eight months ago using materials from a home repair store.
The tiny house boasted four hand-crafted wood bunk beds built into the wood-paneled walls along with tables, shelves some humble decorations and even fire extinguishers in case of emergency, photos reveal.
A tidy rock patio in front of the house included a barbeque, cooler and tables.
An American Flag adorned the entrance.
“It is illegal to be in a Los Angeles County park after dark, let alone to build a structure and reside there,” authorities said in a statement.
Downs camouflaged the entire structure down to the tire of the wheelbarrow by cutting down trees and using camouflage tarp and paint, cops said.
During their investigation, deputies also found eight marijuana plants growing near the structure.
Downs was arrested for the pot and for removing trees from a county park.
He is being held in lieu of $30,000.00 bail with his first court appearance set for Wednesday.
Two other men from Sun Valley, aged 30 and 45, were found at the structure with Downs, issued citations and released.
The structure is set for demolition in the next two weeks, cops said.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/onedef92/park18n-4-web.jpg
Suspect Robert Downs admitted he’s been living in the California park undetected for more than a year and began building the concealed crib gradually about eight months ago using materials from a home repair store (and shit).