WATCHDOG: Who has authority to enter Realty Building?
The tenants of Realty Towers lost close to everything when that explosion in May destroyed the first floor of the building.
For several days , 21 news has been looking into the possibility that items were taken after Wednesday, July 10. That is when Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley and some volunteers entered the Realty Building to retrieve duffle bags full of personal items from the apartments inside.
One tenant was grateful to have just a small part of her life back.
"I'm grateful for the people who sacrificed their lives to give us a part of the life back," said Tracey Winbush, Realty Tower resident.
Youngstown police keep a log of all calls coming into the department and one call that same day from a Realty Tower tenant stated when the fire department went in to retrieve his items, his gun was stolen and the case was already open.
Then a call into the Youngstown Police Department on the next day , July 11, around 9:50p.m., stated the caller saw flashlights moving around inside the building and he thought people were inside looting.
That same call sheet includes security saying there were 5 to 6 people dressed like construction workers that got into a truck and left.
21 News obtained pictures taken by a person passing by on July 11. The people appear to be dressed as construction workers and loading a truck behind the Realty building. The men were seen carrying out ladders, suitcases, flat screen televisions even toilet paper.
When Finley was asked who had authorization to enter the building after his crews went in, he referred us to the building owners , Yo Properties LLC and Greenheart.
A spokesperson for the owners said to the best of her knowledge, the building is now the responsibility of the demolition crew. When a 21 News crew went to the site Thursday, the owner of the demolition company would not answer any questions.
No police reports have been filed so police are not looking into any thefts. It's still unclear if anyone in authority gave permission for people to enter the building and take tenants' property.
21 News will continue following this story.