A homeless man built a makeshift cabin that was a “ticking timebomb” with a washing machine and a treadmill, in a quest to dig for gold.
Steven Irwin made constructed it in Dr. Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, months after he allegedly stole an excavator to tear up part of the site in his pursuit of gold.
The cabin was replete with various amenities including fireplaces, propane heaters, multiple generators, and more.
Despite causing $15,000 (£12,000) worth of damage to the area, Irwin maintains that he had permission to erect the structure, despite evidence suggesting the contrary.
Andrea Suarez, representing We Heart Seattle, a homeless outreach group, said: “He is digging into the slopes, building structures, tearing down trees, undoing thousands of dollars in repairs.
“There’s also a risk for him being in that environment. There are smells of kerosene, propane, and gasoline – there are three different forms of fuel down here, wires everywhere,” Suarez shared — adding the spot is “a ticking timebomb.”
“He’s dreaming up that this is a gold mine, that he’s mining for diamonds, and that he is going to find gold and strike it rich,” Suarez said.
Despite facing legal repercussions for his unauthorized construction, Irwin shows no signs of halting his activities.
Reports indicate that he continues to utilize power and hand tools to expand and fortify his dwelling within the park.
Neighbors residing near Dr. Jose Rizal Park have voiced their frustrations over the situation, expressing concerns about the lack of intervention from city authorities.
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“This guy is just getting away with it, and I don’t understand that. We are absolutely frustrated. We need some civility here, we need police action,” Resident Brian Hartman told KOMO News Outlet.
Suarez, who wants the situation resolved due to the potential danger Irwin may unintentionally inflict on himself and others, says the homeless man has no plans to stop his building.
However, she said that could only be achieved if the city steps up to the plate and enforces the law.
“This is a call to action by law enforcement and Seattle Parks and Recreation to do something,” Suarez told the outlet.
“I’ve even offered to pay for his first six months of housing, and he said, ‘That’s great. I’m still going to keep my cabin in the woods.”
