REDDING, Calif. — Seven children have been placed in protective custody following the arrest of a repeat shoplifter in Redding, according to the Redding Police Department (RPD).

RPD said it began investigating repeat offender Joshua Powell, 31, of Redding this month for his involvement in “ongoing organized burglary” in the area. Powell was recently identified stealing over $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Redding Walmart.

Powell was seen by RPD officers on Nov. 12 around 4:15 p.m. while driving near the 1600 block of Hilltop Drive. RPD said Powell was detained and arrested on criminal warrants related to the ongoing grand larceny investigation.

RPD said that after Powell’s arrest, they went to his residence in hopes of recovering the stolen items. Once they arrived, the police said they were disturbed by the conditions in which they found the home.

The house was in deplorable condition with animal feces all over the floor and dirty diapers. RPD said seven children were inside the filthy home. Five of the children belonged to Powell, and the other two belonged to a mother who was at the scene.

Police said all seven children were removed from the home and taken into temporary protective custody.

Powell was initially booked into the Shasta County Jail on theft charges, but due to a medical emergency caused by a narcotic overdose, he was taken to a local hospital for treatment, where he was released.

RPD said it filed child endangerment charges with the Shasta County District Attorney’s office against Powell and the other mother at the scene.