Image by Michael Kopp from Pixabay

An unexpected visitor took a Chatham resident by surprise.

Chatham-Kent Police were called to a Queen Street home just before 9 o’clock Tuesday morning.

Authorities say the homeowner was alerted by a smoke detector going off, and found a woman cooking in the kitchen.

The accused allegedly gathered up some items from the home, including blankets and a cooler, and fled when police were called.

The woman was found on Raleigh Street and arrested.

The 24-year-old has been charged with break and enter and theft. She was held for a bail hearing and remanded into custody until a court appearance next week.