FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Police found a surprising discovery after receiving a call about an illegal camp in Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Police were called to a property not too far from Southside High School. When they arrived, they found a hole so deep it resembles a mineshaft.
Police discovered several tunnels leading up to an entry way to the massive hole.
"We actually already knew who the property owner was because we had a separate issue on another piece of property with the same owner," Cpl. Chris Boyd, Jr., Fort Smith Police Department Patrol Operations said. "When we got up there, we realized it wasn't a homeless camp at all, but a fella digging a great big hole."
According to the property owners, the hole is located on private property and the man was denied permission to dig the hole more than a year ago. The man was asked to leave the property and the property owners are responsible for the damage until charges are filed. The damage could cost them more than $5,000.
"The [property owners] are not happy because this gentleman has created a hazard that is on their property," Boyd said. "Someone could hurt themselves. I went in it when we were initially there and it is not safe. There is no doubt in my mind that someone could hurt themselves."
Police said this type of call is something they've never seen before.
"He told us he had been digging for a number of years," Boyd said. "Based on the depth and the size of the project, I really don't disbelieve him. He may have actually been doing that for year."
Police said they have reason to believe the man has returned to the property since being told to leave.
"He obviously didn't believe our warnings that he should not be on the property," Cpl. Chris Boyd Jr. said. "For that matter, anybody who sets foot on that property or any other private property, they could face charges. However, in this particular case, we already know that no one is supposed to be on that property. It's not a us stopping him and he gets a warrant later, if we catch him out there again or anyone else...you'll go straight to jail."
Police said they are still investigating and will be working with the prosecuting attorney on charges.
Police will not release the reason the man gave for digging the hole, but say the man is a resident of Fort Smith, but told police he does not have a job.
A report has been filed with the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, which includes a charge for felony criminal mischief and trespassing.
