One Mississippi couch-hopper is going to be spending time in the slammer.
First reported by The Natchez Democrat, on Wednesday morning, a lawn keeper noticed a man lying on the couch of a home that was temporarily unoccupied while the owners were out of town.
The yard worker notified authorities, which led to Natchez Police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Department collaborating to remove the man from the home.
Authorities arrived at the residence around noon Wednesday and surrounded the home. The alleged trespasser had barricaded himself inside.
Upon entering and searching the home, officers located and arrested Steven Vanwinkle, who was hiding in the attic underneath a layer of insulation.
According to Natchez Police Chief Cal Green, Vanwinkle faces charges of trespassing and breaking and entering into an unoccupied dwelling.
Police have yet to establish how long the 42-year-old had been dwelling in the home prior to being discovered.
