Illinois Woman Found Trapped Inside Business Walls Faces Burglary and Property Damage Charges
GENESEO, ILLINOIS — A 26-year-old woman from Davenport, identified as Caleigh Gottsche, was arrested after she was found trapped inside the walls of a local business in downtown Geneseo late Wednesday night. Police say the woman is now facing multiple criminal charges, including burglary, felony criminal damage to property, and criminal trespassing.
Strange Noises Lead to Discovery
Authorities said the bizarre incident unfolded on South State Street when a business owner called 911 after hearing unusual noises coming from the ceiling. Officers who arrived at the scene reported hearing whispering and movement from inside the building’s walls, prompting them to call in firefighters for assistance.
Firefighters Rescue Woman from Inside the Wall
After several minutes of searching, firefighters located Gottsche wedged inside a narrow section of the business wall. She was carefully removed without major injury. Officials have not disclosed how long she had been stuck or how she managed to get inside the confined space, though investigators suspect she entered through an unsecured access point.
Police Say Motive Still Under Investigation
The Geneseo Police Department confirmed that Gottsche had no legitimate reason to be inside the business and may have caused significant structural damage while attempting to move through the walls. She was taken into custody shortly after being freed.
“It’s one of the strangest calls we’ve had in a long time,” said one responding officer. “We heard voices coming from inside the walls and realized someone was actually trapped.”
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Gottsche is now charged with burglary, felony criminal damage to property, and criminal trespassing. She is being held pending her first court appearance in Henry County, and authorities are still assessing the extent of property damage caused during the incident.
Residents in the area were startled by the scene, as emergency crews and law enforcement blocked off part of the downtown area during the rescue.
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