He lived 27 years in the forest and went to jail for occupying

A sympathetic man, 81 years old and who lived 27 years in a small cabin in the woods of New Hampshire, in United States, he was detained for more than 20 days for illegal occupation of the premises. While behind bars, the house was set on fire in an event that is under investigation.

The elder, identified as David Lidstone, is known as River Dave to all who frequent the area near the Merrimack River in the state of New England. Renowned for his kindness and simplicity in living away from the city, he grew his own food, chopped his own firewood, and took care of his pets and chickens. Although the grandfather assured that the former owner of the premises had given him his word so that he could reside at the site, the new owner started a legal battle in 2017 to have it removed. So a judge issued a deportation order and, faced with the rejection of the US Air Force veteran, he was jailed on July 15. “You came with your weapons, you arrested me, you brought me here, you have all my possessions. Stay with them, ”Lidstone told the judge.

This Wednesday, while River Dave was still at the police station, a fire ravaged the humble cabin. As authorities investigate the incident, the 86-year-old owner of the land is logically suspected.

A day after the incident, Lidstone was released and the community is looking for a way to help him. As indicated, several neighbors have offered to live on their land.