Police: Man Leaves Stranger's Home In Disarray While Sobering Up On NYE
KARNS CITY (KDKA) – A Butler County man, claiming he needed a warm place to sober up on New Year's Eve, is facing trespassing charges.
The suspect, 28-year-old Joshua Frey, admitted to entering a home in the 100-block of Main Street of Karns City that was not his own.
The homeowner called police after returning home and finding it in disarray.
According to police, the home's furnace was turned up to 90 degrees, an upstairs toilet was left unflushed and a previously unused stove had grease marks on it.
Ella Plunkard discovered the break-in and couldn't believe the mess that was left behind. She and her husband just bought the house and are planning to move in.
"You just don't feel safe, you come up and I always make sure I lock doors and windows," said Plunkard. "They were all through the house as you can see footprints but you couldn't make them out."
During their investigation, police found Frey's debit card on the kitchen floor.
"Laying right on the floor, in front of the cupboard," said Plunkard. "I called the state police."
When officers spoke with Frey, he admitted to being in the home and turning up the heat. He also said he used the stove to heat up a piece of pizza he had brought with him.
Frey told police he had been drinking and isn't allowed to go home when he is drunk.
As for how he got into the home, police found pry marks on a sliding glass door. However, Frey claims he entered the home through a basement door.
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He is facing a list of charges including criminal trespass, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
Frey was placed in the Butler County Jail on $5,000 bail.