CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A man is in custody and a woman is being sought in connection with multiple break ins on Charleston’s East End.
George Jeffrey, 30, of Charleston, was arrested Wednesday.
Police are also looking for Elizabeth Sayre, 21, of Charleston. Police say both are homeless and from out of state.
Jeffrey and Sayre are accused of breaking into three small businesses on Smith Street early Wednesday morning. Surveillance video shows the theft at Smith Flooring, No Limits Fitness and an adjacent building from Appalachian Power Park.
Lt. Steve Cooper, chief of detectives with the Charleston Police Department, said a laptop, a buggie and a few other items valued at nearly $1,000 were stolen.
Jeffrey was charged with three counts of breaking and entering. Police say he also attempted to steal a vehicle.
Cooper said they were able to locate Jeffrey with the help of those at food shelters.
“He was identified through a couple different means: some individuals at the Covenant House and someone from Man a Meal was able to help identify him from still shots from the surveillance video,” he told reporters.
Police have seen seen an influx in crime from homeless people in recent weeks. Cooper said they mainly come to Charleston to buy drugs, Cooper said.
“They are all from a different area whether is be a few counties away or, more likely, a few states away,” he said. “There is a supply and demand issue with heroin in Charleston because it is readily available.”
Last month, a California man was arrested and charged with murder after allegedly setting a woman on fire. All those involved were a part of the homeless community.
Jeffrey is being held at the South Central Regional Jail in lieu of $30,000 bond.