Canceled IE Haunted House For Charity 'May Reopen In Time For Halloween,' Father Says

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — A San Bernardino father of a disabled daughter temporarily shuttered his annual haunted house for the first time in many years, he says. Augie Cowan has blamed the city of San Bernardino and the code enforcement officers he claims harassed him and his daughter before opening day. After a media outcry, he now has hope that the haunt could possibly open by Friday, Oct. 10.

Caitlin Manor Haunted House was slated to open Friday, October 3 and run on select days through November 1 at 475 W. 4th Street in San Bernardino, with scare hours from 6 to 7 p.m. and "very scary" hours from 7 to 11 p.m.

Instead, on opening night, the Caitlin Manor Haunted House was dark and quiet, unlike the usual scene of lines of Halloween revelers, according to Cowan. After days of seeking support, Cowan shared Tuesday that his haunt and the city are on a path to possibly open to the public this week.

"We met with city officials yesterday and are waiting to see if we can open this weekend. They said it could be possible with a few changes. My daughter and I are hopeful.. We are waiting for their response."

Caitlin Manor Haunted House was established in honor of his daughter.

"Andrea bravely battles Infantile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD)," he says. The haunt raises funds each year to go toward the care of his disabled daughter. After neighbor complaints of crowds, he has returned to the 4th Street location. He says he's dealt with the city and permitting, and held the haunt at this same location before. This is the first time it's been shut down, he said.

Cowan told the media that code enforcement showed up en masse to shut him down in advance of the opening.

"Instead of harassing me and threatening me and wanting me to shut it down, help me to get it going," he told the media, saying he felt like the city didn't care about his daughter's fundraiser at all, and sought help in fast-tracking the permit that typically takes up to 30 days.

A statement obtained from the City of San Bernardino indicated that the reason for the shutdown was due to safety concerns.

"City inspectors identified electrical and access issues that would put people's safety at risk," according to the statement. "We will continue to work with (Cowan) to ensure their haunted house is both fun and safe."

Even with the annual haunt, there is more that the family needs to cover the costs of Andrea's care.

"I created Caitlin Manor Haunted House, a community-driven fundraiser that brings people together for a good scare and a great cause," Cowan said. "It's been a labor of love, built from scratch to support Andrea's journey. But as her needs grow, so does the urgency for additional help."

Meanwhile, a friend of the family has launched a GoFundMe to help the family in the absence of the Halloween fundraising event.