New Haven, Indiana — According to Allen Superior Court documents, two men, Christopher Collins and James Steele, are facing felony charges after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home and attempting to steal a $1,000 purebred Husky.
Collins and Steele are each charged with a Level 3 felony count of burglary and a Level 6 felony count of residential entry.
Around 11 p.m. Monday, Collins went to a New Haven home, knocked on the door, and demanded the dog. After the woman who answered refused, Collins summoned Steele, who was waiting in the car with his 13-year-old son with special needs. Steele kicked open the door, breaking it and forcing entry. Pieces of the door shattered on the ground.
Collins used to own the dog before surrendering it five years ago, according to court documents.
Collins, despite being the woman’s nephew, did not live there and had no financial stake in the property. The woman was standing behind the door when it was kicked, injuring her face. She was then pushed out of the way as Collins attempted to take the dog.
After that, Collins, Steele, and Steele’s son visited a truck stop. While Steele was inside the truck stop, Collins drove away with Steele’s son in the car. Collins was later taken into custody, and the child was placed in protective custody.
Steele, who had a prior, unrelated theft conviction in Ohio, was discovered walking down East Lincoln Highway in New Haven and arrested.
