Following the arrest of 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, who faces serious charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and reckless endangerment, authorities have released vital footage showcasing the dramatic rescue of her stepson. The shocking allegations against her have raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals and the extent of the alleged abuse that occurred over the years.

In the released video, Kimberly Sullivan is seen outside her home, interacting with first responders who are inquiring about the individuals still inside the burning structure.

“My stepson is in here. I am trying to have them help him out. That’s it. I have two cats,” she responds to the officers, attempting to divert attention from the situation.

“Everyone’s out?” the officer asks her, to which she replies, “Yes.” He then queries, “But your stepson’s still inside?”

As she claims “he’s right there,” a firefighter emerges from the front door carrying another individual. Concerned for her “shaking” dog, authorities usher her away from the scene just as her stepson is placed into an ambulance, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Authorities grew alarmed after receiving an emergency call reporting an active fire at approximately 8:42 p.m. on February 17. This call originated from Sullivan, the owner of the property engulfed in flames, raising immediate concerns about the situation inside.

While the fire was quickly extinguished and Sullivan managed to evacuate on her own, the other resident in the home, a 32-year-old man, required assistance from the Waterbury Fire Department personnel, highlighting the grave circumstances he was in.

He subsequently received treatment from emergency medical responders. It was only during conversations with the police that they learned he had started the fire intentionally and the reasons behind his drastic actions.

“While receiving medical care [for smoke inhalation], the male victim disclosed to first responders that he had deliberately set the fire in his upstairs room,” officers stated in a statement regarding the alarming case.

As for the reason behind setting the fire, he simply stated, “I wanted my freedom,” a poignant reflection of his dire situation.

“He further alleged that he had been held captive by Sullivan since he was around 11 years old,” the statement continued. According to CBS affiliate WFSB, which disclosed the full arrest affidavit, the man reportedly spent those years confined in an 8-foot by 9-foot room, highlighting the severe abuse he endured.

The alleged victim “lit a fire with some hand sanitizer, some printer paper, and he ignited the blaze while he was locked in that room from the outside,” said a prosecutor in court, underscoring the desperation of his actions, as reported by WFSB.

“He lit that fire fully aware that he might die,” the prosecutor continued, “but he had been locked in the room for 20 years, and for two decades, he’d been trying to escape that room,” illustrating the depth of his suffering and desperation.

The man’s initial statements triggered an extensive investigation as he was discovered in a “severely emaciated condition,” weighing only 68 kilos, according to WFSB. This alarming revelation raised serious questions about the treatment he endured during his captivity.

“Investigators further discovered that he had been provided with only minimal amounts of food and water, which led to his extraordinarily malnourished state,” the police statement elaborated, emphasizing the neglect he suffered.

The man reportedly informed authorities that he was given just two cups of water daily and was often forced to drink from the toilet. It was also revealed that he “had not received any medical or dental care” during his many years confined in the house, indicating severe neglect and abuse.

The affidavit further details the man’s claims that he was pulled from school in the fourth grade and was only allowed out of his room to do chores or let the dog out, spending roughly 22 hours locked in his room. This alarming situation underscores the extent of the alleged abuse.

He also told police that he had no contact with anyone outside the home and that the last time he left the house was with his now-deceased father when he was around 14 or 15 years old. Only his two half-sisters and a deceased grandmother were aware of his situation, indicating a significant isolation from the outside world.

He expressed that his fear of losing the minimal food and water he received, as well as the possibility of being confined even longer, prevented him from attempting to break free from his captivity, showcasing the psychological manipulation he endured.

Due to the man’s allegations, investigators concluded that he had been subjected to “extended abuse, hunger, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment,” prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant for Sullivan.

Defense attorney Ioannis A. Kaloidis contends that the late husband of the suspect, Kregg Sullivan, who passed away in 2024, “was in control” of the situation and made the decision to confine his son to an 8-foot by 9-foot room starting at the age of 11, shifting the blame away from his client.

“Ultimately, it was the father who dictated how his son was raised, and my client was merely following his orders,” Kaloidis stated to PEOPLE, while also denying the stepson’s claims regarding his lack of access to hygiene. “My client encouraged him to shower, but she is not going to force a 32-year-old man to take care of himself,” Kaloidis defended.

The attorney also claimed that the man was never locked in his room and was allowed to leave the house daily for chores, such as taking out the trash. According to Kaloidis, “He could have easily walked away if he wanted to leave,” attempting to undermine the accusations against his client.

“This is just one side of the story, and people should not rush to judgment. These allegations are horrific, but there are two sides to every story, and my client plans to defend herself against these accusations,” Kaloidis concluded, emphasizing the need for a fair trial.