US man gets stuck in chimney while trying to rescue dog from locked building

A man in Bristol, Connecticut, found himself in a precarious situation when he became stuck in the chimney of a building at Rockwell Park while attempting to rescue his dog. The incident occurred after the man's dog became trapped in a bathroom when the doors automatically locked for the night. Local police received a report of a burglary complaint early Sunday morning, which led them to discover the man trapped in the chimney. Firefighters were called to the scene to assist in the rescue, which required them to dismantle parts of the chimney and the building, resulting in significant damage estimated between $5,000 and $10,000. Fortunately, the man was unharmed during the ordeal but was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary, trespassing, and criminal mischief. He was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 7th.

The incident highlights a potential safety concern regarding the locks on the bathroom doors at the park, which are set on timers to lock automatically at 10 PM. Erica Benoit, the community engagement coordinator for Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services, noted that the doors can be opened from the inside even after being locked. However, the circumstances surrounding how the dog ended up in the bathroom remain unclear, as does the duration of the man's entrapment in the chimney. Police confirmed that the dog was unharmed, emphasizing that the situation could have been avoided had the man contacted the authorities instead of attempting the rescue himself. Benoit described the event as a "crazy scenario," underlining the importance of seeking help in emergencies rather than resorting to risky actions.