Update: Waterbury, CT, Firefighters Talk about Rescuing Captive Man
What sounded like just another house fire in mid February turned into anything but routine.
In fact, Waterbury firefighters said it's one they'll always remember.
The victim they rescued, an adult, told them he'd been held captive for more than 20 years. He admitted setting the fire to gain his freedom. His stepmother was arrested and charged with multiple offenses.
Capt. Jon Paul Oldham told a NBC CT reporter when he found a woman inside, he told her repeatedly she had to leave.
Once outside, the hysterical woman continued to tell firefighters her stepson was still inside.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and heat when they got to the second floor to look for the victim. Firefighter Gabriel Goja found and carried the emanciated man out of the house to a waiting ambulance.
Firefighters wondering why a man wouldn't just walk out of the house had their question answered quickly after the rescue.
Oldham said he and others noticed some strange things in the house. There were locks on doors and some rooms were empty.
"It's just a sad situation. And I hope he recovers quickly,” Goja said.
Both firefighters said they'd like to meet the man.
