Two people are in custody, and could face charges in several other jurisdictions. Bellaire Police continue their investigation into the couple and their apartment on Atcheson Road. Four children, a puppy and the parents living in dirt, garbage and feces. That's what police found in a Bellaire Housing Development.
The Chief of Police said, "We received a complaint from the housing authority of an apartment on Atcheson Road that the conditions were terrible. There was a smell coming from the apartment. The people living there had left a dog in the apartment...Hadn't been there for days." The smells were confirmed upon entry to the apartment. Police found human and animal feces, garbage and unidentified materials in the sinks and toilet. Chief: "It was unlivable and for small children ages five, four, two and one...How they could have those children living in those conditions is beyond me."
Police then arrested 36-year-old Andra Catlin and 35-year-old William Catlin without incident just a few blocks from the apartment. Both were charged with four counts of child endangerment. William is also charged with writing bad checks, and both could be facing other charges of the same in Wheeling, St. Clairsville and Bridgeport. Neighbor Butch Tanner says he didn't know the Catlins, but he did know the children. Butch Tanner: "I have called the cops before because they were running around with no clothes on. They, uh...Their mother tried to pay my aunt to watch their kids for a long period of time. Maybe two weeks or so while they went and do whatever they were gonna do. I've heard a whole bunch of stuff about 'em. None of it's been good."
Chief Kovalyk says the Catlins were taking advantage of the generosity of others, and using the children as their tickets to free food and money. "We received information that they were going to church organizations and FEMA organizations saying that they were victims of Hurricane Katrina, receiving aid." The children are in protective custody, and the chief says they will most likely be placed with relatives. The puppy was taken by the animal shelter. The Catlins are being held at the Belmont County Jail. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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