Stranger Lived In Seattle Basement For 2 Days Unnoticed: Police

Seattle WA

01 April, 2021

5:06 PM

Description

SEATTLE, WA — A Minnesota man was arrested Monday after a couple living in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood discovered him living in their basement, according to multiple reports. The man, identified by other media reports as Thomas Lewellen, 56, allegedly lived in the couple's basement for two days undetected, according to the Seattle Police Department. Police found a sleeping bag on the floor of the basement, which was fully furnished and had a refrigerator stocked with food. Police also found playing cards, clothes organized on the floor, and other furniture, KIRO reported. Police discovered Lewellen in the basement after the couple living there heard a strange noise and called 911. Lewellen told police he arrived in Seattle on March 10 after he was released from a Texas prison and was provided with a one-way ticket to Seattle. While he initially told police he had permission to be there, he later said he "gravitated" towards the door to seek shelter. The woman living in the house "made it very clear" that no one had permission to stay in the house, police said. Lewellen made his way into the home through an unlocked side door, according to police. Lewellen reportedly told officers he was "starving" and that the food he found in the couple's home "saved his life." This marks the second time in one year an intruder has been found in a neighborhood home, neighbors told KIRO. Lewellen has been charged in Seattle Municipal Court, where the judge ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation to determine if he is competent to stand trial, according to reports.