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.

The stepson of a Connecticut woman told detectives he had been held captive for two decades, beginning at the age of 11. Although his former principal and elementary school reportedly told authorities about the now-grown man's alleged mistreatment,

Locals who lived near a Connecticut house where a man was allegedly held captive and abused by his stepmother for two decades remain stunned at the reported shocking hidden abuse that occurred in the midst of their community.

Video shows the moments firefighters responded to a fire at a home in Waterbury, Connecticut, where authorities say a man was held captive for 20 years.

Kimberly Sullivan, 56, is facing multiple charges, including unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, assault and kidnapping.

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.

A 32-year-old man told police he intentionally set fire to a home in Waterbury, Connecticut, in order to escape the house, where he alleged that he was held captive for about 20 years. His stepmother was arrested Wednesday on kidnapping and assault charges.