Flash Shelton has become a literal household hero thanks to his ability to free properties from the stranglehold of squatters, but despite a strong physical pedigree, this big man tells M&F that his real goal is to de-escalate conflict, and he has some surprising methods for doing so.
Who is Flash Shelton and how did he become the ‘Squatter Hunter’?
With a birth name like Flash, his prime A&E’s popular reality documentaries Occupancies was destined to be a superhero, but his true calling came when the repair and construction specialist had his own traumatic experience with squatters. The ordeal began in 2019 when Flash’s father died and his mom was living with him so the house could be ready for sale. Shockingly, a group of more than half a dozen squatters settled in instead.
When Flash reported the matter to the police, he became one of many citizens in legal limbo. So the obedient son studied the law and took matters into his own hands. Flash staked out the house and waited for the group to leave the house before entering with a legal rental agreement signed by his mom. He then repossessed the property and threatened to prosecute unless the gang packed up and left. Fortunately, they did just that, and this origin story became the beginning of a career that gives life to those in limbo due to squatting.
“There was a problem and it’s a global problem,” says Flash. “I felt like I had to work to change laws. I was getting a lot of attention and I wanted to put it to something good.”
Flash Shelton’s background in boxing, safety and takedowns
Of course, dealing with intruders isn’t without its perils, but Flash can certainly hold his own. “I started as a liar at 21,” he explains. “Then I won a boxing competition. I always say I’m the original Roadhouse because that’s what I did. I traveled and cleaned bars and trained bouncers.” Flash’s skills extend to Wing Chun Kung Fu. a Southern Chinese martial art designed for close range self-defense.
Despite these natural abilities, Flash says the last thing he wants to do with a squatter is fight, and he has an amazing technique for distancing himself from violence, earning certification in de-escalation techniques and practicing meditation to calm situations when entering the unknown. “Squatters have this entitled personality,” Flash explains. “I meditate a little bit before so I can get my heart rate down and I don’t go in with the adrenaline already. Because if my physical body is already escalated when we have our first matchup, I’m going to have a really hard time.”
When the Flash goes physical, he uses his powers to defend himself and his team members’ safety, like his son Michael, or colleague Cameron…even the squatter. Instead of being the aggressor, Flash uses his power to slow things down. “In one episode, I actually held down a gentleman so Cam could grab a pole-like weapon he had in his hand,” Flash recalled.
How Flash Shelton reclaims homes from squatters
In another episode of squats, Flash uses psychological techniques to flush out uninvited guests. Fearing snakes, the hunter placed reptiles around the property to make the environment too extreme for the unwanted squatter. Flash explains that being a nightmare roommate is another trick that often gets the offender fired.
Of course, Flash didn’t choose to become a Squatter Hunter, but loopholes in the law and powerless police forces have created a need for this very real superhero, who has some sage advice for those looking to avoid their own squatting nightmare.
“If I had a camera in my mom’s house in the first place, I wouldn’t be the Squatter Hunter today,” he explains. “The cameras prove who got in, when they got in and how they got in. “That could be the difference between them getting tenancy rights or being arrested for trespassing or breaking and entering.”
Occupancies airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. and at 10:30 PM ET/PT on A&E. Episodes will be available the next day on demand and to stream on the A&E app.
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