WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (WVDN) – A woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Greenbrier County after allegedly attempting to
break into a residence in White Sulphur Springs and steal items from the property, according to authorities.
According to a criminal complaint filed by the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a trespassing call at a home on the 5300 block of Pocahontas Trail around 12:58 p.m. after receiving reports from the homeowner. The victim said his 11-year-old son had contacted him, reporting that Chelsie Kineaid was on the property attempting to take items and possibly break into the home.
The deputy said the accused was seen on the porch upon arrival, while another individual, later identified as George Carter, was found sitting in a nearby vehicle with its hatch open. Both individuals were detained at the scene.
According to police, Kineaid admitted to entering the basement of the residence using a key she found on the porch. She also allegedly used a screwdriver in an attempt to gain access through another door and tried to open a window. Kineaid claimed she was at the home to retrieve her belongings, which the homeowner had placed outside in totes approximately six weeks earlier.
The victim confirmed that the accused had previously stayed at the home for about a week but had not been given permission to re-enter the residence. He said he had last communicated with her about collecting her property more than a month ago.
Two juveniles inside the home at the time told deputies that the woman initially knocked on the front door before entering the basement. One of the kids confronted her and told her to leave. They reported that she then attempted to break in through the upper level, striking the front door with a hammer and trying to open a bedroom window after climbing onto an HVAC unit.
The juveniles also said the accused began moving items from the porch, including a dirt bike that was later found in the front yard. A screwdriver was found jammed into a side door lock and a dog cage had been shifted inside the home.
Kineaid was arrested and is expected to face charges related to trespassing, attempted burglary and attempted theft. The case will be handled in Greenbrier County Magistrate Court.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
