BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Bluefield man has been arrested after breaking into a home and stealing a bathtub.
According to a criminal complaint, Sgt. H.D. Browning responded to a burglary in progress at 6:24 PM March 29, 2025, on Poplar Street in Bluefield.
Upon arrival, the officer observed that the front door of the home appeared to have been forced open.
Upon entering the residence and announcing his presence, Sgt. Browning heard footsteps inside the home and encountered a white male holding a brown bag that reportedly sounded like it contained tools.
The man, later identified as 40-year-old Bluefield resident Richard Tiller, claimed he had permission to be in the home, stating that someone named Justin had authorized his entry.
However, a check with the Mercer County 911 Center allowed Sgt. Browning to contact the actual homeowner, who stated that no one had permission to be inside the residence.
The homeowner also advised that the suspect had previously stolen from her and was not authorized to enter the property. She was adamant that charges be pursued.
During the investigation, officers discovered a bathtub from the home in the back of the suspect’s pickup truck, which matched a vehicle he was known to drive from a prior incident.
Further investigation by the Mercer County 911 Center revealed that the suspect had active warrants stemming from a separate incident on January 23, 2025.
Tiller was taken into custody at the scene and is now facing a new burglary charge in addition to the outstanding warrants.
He is currently at Southern Regional Jail on a $5,000 cash-only bond.
