Couple Found Squatting In Vacant Home, Officials Investigating 'Meth Lab Activity'

BUTLER (KDKA) -- A couple is behind bars after being found living in an abandoned home in Butler.

Ronald L. Tejchman, 33, and Nikki Jo Haynes, 33, are in the Butler County Prison, charged with trespass.

The pair was arrested last Thursday after they made themselves at home inside a house on Third Avenue.

The owner of the property told police that when they visited the house, they found fresh food in the refrigerator. When police entered the property, they found Tejchman and Haynes in the living room.

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The couple claimed someone they knew as "Mike" gave them permission to be there, though the owner insisted that was not the case.

Police arrested and searched both suspects.

In Haynes' purse, police found a used syringe and two crack pipes, documents said. Officials have confirmed they are looking into "meth lab activities at the house."

Neighbors said they think the pair were living in the home for about a month.

"Apparently they found the start of  a meth lab in the west end," said Justin Mainhart.

"It was the start of a meth lab, what we were told. They talked to the cops, they had HAZMAT out back," said Jamie Strayer.

People said they were frustrated to see crime in their neighborhood.

"Everybody really needs to step up and do something, it's mostly garbage around our kids and our families," said Natasha Sarver.