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.

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.