On December 9, 2024, Chillicothe police arrested Mathew Johnson for burglary after he allegedly entered a residence on West 8th Street without permission.
Officers responded to a call from, a resident of 8th St, who reported waking up to find Johnson in her kitchen. According to the homeowner, her husky’s barking alerted her to the intruder. Johnson claimed he had been sent by a uncle, to check on her. However, when the homeowner contacted her uncle, he denied giving any such instructions and urged her to call the police.
She told officers that the back door, which had been left unlocked after her fiancé let their dogs out, was likely how Johnson entered the home. She recognized him from past incidents and confirmed his identity using a Facebook photo. She reported no missing or damaged items but requested Johnson be barred from her property.
Police located Johnson walking on Caldwell Street and questioned him. Before being read his Miranda rights, Johnson admitted to entering the home, explaining that he heard people talking about the house and decided to check on it. Johnson said he knocked on the door, and when no one answered, he entered through the back.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Johnson confirmed he entered the home without permission and acknowledged he did not reside there. He was subsequently arrested for burglary and transported to the Ross County Jail, where he was held pending his court appearance on December 10, 2024, at Chillicothe Municipal Court.
Johnson was also formally barred from returning to the property and warned that any future trespass would result in additional charges.
