By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
An East Street home that was the site of a drug bust on July 23 has officially been condemned by the city.
Bucyrus Police Chief Dave Koepke reported that the city’s Property and Maintenance Code Office took action on the structure Friday. Koepke and Bucyrus Fire Chief Jay Keller had previously inspected the property at 536 East St. on July 24 for code enforcement, where they reported no improvements had been made structurally on the home since the last time the property had been reviewed.
While taking action Friday, Koepke said they discovered people in the home that did not reside there. Police arrested one male for drug possession and a Municipal Court probation violation.
There were multiple issues with the house itself, Koepke reported. The part of the house that was vacant was unsecured while power lines on the property had been stretched by trees. The power company has been contacted to correct that issue.
“Many of the violations were brought to the attention of the property owner last year and were ignored,” Koepke said. “The house has deteriorated since then.”
Paul McGlone of McGlone’s Rentals owns the property.
Koepke added that they discovered evidence of children living in the house, though no children were residing there at that time.
The City of Bucyrus has taken action to condemn the property and the Service Department has put up boards at the house.
Two people were arrested in the July 23 drug bust at the East St. home. Amber Hall, who has since been arraigned and had bond set at $50,000, was arrested for drug possession and other charges while Dennis Evans was arrested on an active warrant and possession of marijuana.
Koepke had stated then that the home was a health problem for the neighborhood and nearby Bucyrus Elementary School.