Two Arrested Following Home Invasion and Burglary In Washington State

I can’t imagine anything worse than opening your phone on vacation and seeing strangers walking through your living room — wearing your clothes.

That’s exactly what happened to a Wenatchee homeowner on July 2nd. Around 11:50 a.m., Chelan County deputies were dispatched to the 6700 block of Forest Ridge Rd after a disturbing call: someone was inside a house, taking things, and they weren’t supposed to be there.

The kicker? The homeowner wasn’t even in town. They were monitoring the break-in live through their home security cameras. Earlier that day — at 1:30 a.m., way outside normal business hours — their cleaning service showed up.

But something felt off. Alongside the worker was a man who didn’t belong. Both were going in and out of the house for hours. Not rushing. Not hiding. Just casually wearing the owner’s clothes, walking around like they lived there.

By the time deputies arrived, the pair had been inside for over 10 hours.

Let that sink in.

This isn’t just a case of burglary. It’s a full-on breach of trust — someone with access used it to rob the place.

According to Lake Chelan Now, both suspects were arrested at the scene. One worked for the cleaning company. The other was just along for the ride — and the loot.

Imagine you were in their shoes. Would your home be protected if something like this happened to you? Let me know in the comments: Have you ever had to question whether someone you hired could be trusted inside your home?

Who Were These Two—and Why Were They in the House?

When deputies showed up, they found two people still inside the home. The woman, Alexis C. Pipkin (34), was from East Wenatchee—and yes, she really was part of the cleaning service hired by the homeowners. But she wasn’t supposed to be there at 1:30 in the morning. No call, no permission, no explanation.

The man with her? Steven C. Leighton (36), also from East Wenatchee. He didn’t even work for the cleaning company. So what was he doing there—rifling through someone else’s life?

If you’ve ever given someone access to your home—a cleaner, a plumber, a delivery service—you probably trust they’ll respect your space. But when that trust is broken, it gets personal fast.

It gets worse. Pipkin didn’t just show up uninvited. When questioned, she allegedly gave deputies her sister’s name to avoid getting caught. That small lie added a serious identity theft charge to her case.

You and I both know this wasn’t some simple misunderstanding.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time trusted access has turned into a serious crime—a similar case in Connecticut involved suspects forcing entry during a home break-in gone violent.

How a Home Security Camera Helped Catch Them in Real Time?

Let’s be real: If the homeowner didn’t have cameras, this could’ve ended very differently.

They were out of town, probably thinking their house was safe. But thanks to a remote security system, they saw everything—live. The strangers, the bags, the clothes. And they called it in just in time.

You’ve probably heard of people installing security cams for “peace of mind.” But this wasn’t about peace. It was about evidence. Deputies arrived while the suspects were still inside. They also seized the suspects’ vehicle and later recovered multiple stolen items, including clothing that belonged to the homeowners.

That’s the difference a smart camera setup can make.

If you’re traveling, have you set up motion alerts or remote viewing yet? It’s not just tech—it’s your backup plan when you’re not around.

What the Law Says—and Why the Charges Are Serious?

Now let’s talk consequences.

You might think a break-in is just “theft,” but Washington law treats this seriously—especially when someone uses access to commit the crime. Both suspects were charged with Residential Burglary under RCW 9A.52.025 and Theft in the 2nd Degree under RCW 9A.56.040.

And because Pipkin gave a fake identity during arrest? She picked up an additional charge under RCW 9.35.030 for Identity Theft in the 2nd Degree.

What does that mean in plain terms? Real jail time. Not a slap on the wrist.

If someone misuses access to your home in Washington State, they’re not just breaking trust—they’re breaking the law in a big way. And as a homeowner, you have every right to press charges.

Similar arrests were made recently in Dawson County, Georgia where two suspects were caught after burglarizing a home under seemingly routine circumstances.

What the Sheriff’s Office—and the Community—Had to Say

When news like this breaks, you expect a basic statement from police. But Chelan County Sheriff’s Office didn’t just post a press release—they shared the update directly with the community on Facebook, too.

In their own words:

“A community where safety, justice and security are ensured for all through unwavering commitment to service.”

This wasn’t a cold PR line—it was a reminder that law enforcement was watching, responding fast, and keeping the public informed. You could feel the community rally behind the homeowners in the comments. Some were shocked. Others were angry. A few even shared similar close calls.

And if you’re someone who lives nearby, it’s moments like this that remind you to stay plugged in—follow your local agencies online, stay aware of neighborhood alerts, and know who to call when something doesn’t feel right.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Home Safe?

Let’s be honest—none of us expects the people we hire to turn on us. But it happens. So the question is: how do you protect your home without feeling like you’re living in a fortress?

Here’s what I’d recommend based on this case—and what I personally do when I’m away:

• Use a smart security camera that sends real-time alerts. Not just motion sensors—but one that lets you watch live from your phone.
• Give access the smart way. Use a smart lock that creates one-time codes for cleaners, workers, or guests. And disable those codes after hours.
• Stick to daytime bookings. If anyone from a service shows up at night unannounced, that’s a major red flag. Don’t ignore it.
• Always ask for ID—even if they’ve been there before. Trust doesn’t mean blind faith.
• Let a neighbor know you’re away. Even if it’s just a text. Having someone nearby who can check in makes a difference.

You don’t have to live in fear—but being proactive gives you control. And after reading what happened in Wenatchee, I think you’d agree… prevention is better than regret.

Need help choosing the right home security tools? There’s a simple guide here on what to install depending on your budget and house type.

Some folks in Washington are also using local WhatsApp groups to stay in the loop about break-ins and suspicious activity in real time. If you’re not part of one already, it might be worth exploring.

Deputies Still Investigating as Homeowners Regain Their Peace

As of now, both suspects—Pipkin and Leighton—are behind bars, booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. The case is still active. Deputies are reviewing more evidence from the vehicle and tracking what else may have been taken.

The homeowners? They’re lucky they caught it in time. But imagine the emotional weight of watching your home being invaded—live.

This story isn’t just about two arrests. It’s a reminder that even in a quiet neighborhood, things can go sideways. But with the right tools, the right awareness, and a little community support, you can take back control.

In fact, a recent case in Youngstown showed how real-time security footage also helped police arrest a suspect connected to a home invasion across state lines.

Final Thoughts

Stories like this hit close to home—literally. It wasn’t a stranger who broke in. It was someone who had been let in before. That changes the way you think about access, trust, and safety.

But here’s the upside: you’re not powerless. With the right precautions and a little awareness, you can protect what matters most—your space, your peace of mind, and your family’s safety.

Let this be more than just a news headline. Let it be your reminder to take action.

if you’re looking for more real-world home safety stories, tips, and updates, explore more at Build Like New for real-time insights.

Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on public statements from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and verified news sources. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This content is intended for informational purposes only and not as legal advice.