CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Just two weeks ago, Jeanette Hapiuk fulfilled her dreams of being a new homeowner when Mayor Kim McMillan handed her the keys to her new house on Chestnut Street.
Hapiuk, 70, is able to own the recently constructed home thanks to the City of Clarksville and the federal Community Development Block Grant/HOME program.
However, Hapiuk’s happiness was shattered when she returned home Monday afternoon to find that her home had been broken into.
Hapiuk said it appeared someone kicked in the door, destroying the frame and the deadbolt. According to a police report, she initially did not realize anything had been stolen but later discovered that her 8-inch Samsung tablet was missing. She told ClarksvilleNow.com a bottle of prescription pills was stolen as well.
“It happened in broad daylight but none of the neighbors were home,” Hapiuk said. “I’m just very thankful they didn’t hurt my dogs.”
Now Hapiuk is facing the cost of replacing and installing the door, which she says is difficult for her because she sells produce and flowers at a local stand to make ends meet. She stressed that the home she owns was not free and still requires that she pay part of the 20-year-loan.
“This is the first thing that I’ve ever had that was new and pretty and good,” Hapiuk said.
Anyone with information related to the burglary can contact the Clarksville Police Department at 931-552-1011 or submit a tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.