Kent 'Cat Burglar' Breaks into APL With Poop Scooper

KENT, OH — A Kent woman is facing charges after breaking into the Portage Animal Protective League building to take back her confiscated cats.

Kristen L. Pascoe, 48, was arrested March 11 and has been charged with breaking and entering, theft and two counts of vandalism. She had broken into the building the night before by using a poop scooper to break a window, Lt. Gregory Johnson of the Portago County Sheriffs told Patch.

Because if you're going to steal cats, you might as well use a poop scooper to do it.

An APL employee discovered the break-in the next morning at around 5:45 a.m. The employee arrived at the building and felt cold air coming in through the broken window. After reviewing surveillance footage, building staff were able to identify Pascoe, Johnson told patch. The staff recognized Pascoe because six cats had been had been confiscated her street in Kent. Pascoe was arrested in Kent hours later, officials said.

The incident is the first-ever break-in at the Portage APL.

“Getting the call at 5:45am about a break-in was one of the worst calls I have ever received” says Chalan Lowry, Executive Director, in a statement on the APL website. “You immediately panic and think about the animals. Are they ok, hurt, or have they been let out of their cages? Your mind goes a million directions and all you can do is get there as fast as you can. Windows and items can be replaced, but these animals are our reason for being. It was a hard day for animals and staff.”

Before breaking into the APL building, Pascoe has attempted to break in to the Portage County Water Resources Department next door, Johnson told patch. Johnson said there was no reason for the attempted break-in other than confusion.

Pascoe is currently being held in the Portage Jail. She's been arraigned on her charges and is being held on $15,000 bond. Two cats are still missing after the break-in.

[Photo courtesy of the Portage County Jail]