An emaciated man, 32, says he was held in his room for 20 years and set it on fire to gain his freedom, according to police. His stepmother was charged with cruelty and kidnapping.

A man intentionally started a fire in a home he had been held captive in for more than 20 years in an attempt to escape. Police were called to the home on February 17 for a report of an active fire at a residence on 2 Blake Street.

“Detectives determined that the victim had been held in captivity for over 20 years, enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect and inhumane treatment,” police said. “He was found in a severely emaciated condition and had not received medical or dental care during this time.”

Firefighters responding to a house fire found a man who claimed he intentionally set the blaze to escape his room. He said he had been starved and held captive for more than 20 years by his stepmother.