A local man was arrested Friday afternoon after allegedly forcing entry into a neighbor’s home, prompting a swift police response and resulting in charges of second-degree burglary and second-degree property damage.
At approximately 2:47 P.M. on September 12, 2025, Officer R. Shell (#5127) was dispatched to the 200 block of Pine Street following a report of a burglary in progress. The homeowner had observed the incident in real time via her door-mounted security camera, which showed a male suspect kicking open her front door and entering the residence.
Upon arrival, Officer Shell found the front door ajar with visible damage near the lock and handle, consistent with forced entry. The officer made repeated announcements for any individuals inside to exit the property while awaiting backup.
The homeowner arrived shortly thereafter and identified the suspect as her neighbor, Joshua Mansfield. Mansfield was seen approaching the property from his own residence and was immediately placed under arrest. Handcuffs were applied, checked for proper fit, and double-locked.
Further investigation revealed approximately $400 in damage to the front door and an additional $75 in damage to an interior basement door. Security footage provided by the homeowner showed Mansfield attempting to open the front door, then forcibly kicking it open. He entered the home, retrieved a steel folding chair and a blanket, briefly exited, then re-entered to return the items before leaving the property and closing the door.
Mansfield now faces charges of second-degree burglary and second-degree property damage.
