Friday, January 13, 2012

Sumner county authorities are investigating two separate burglary cases, resulting in more than $100,000 losses.

The crimes date back to Dec. 18, 2011, when two construction pickup trucks were stolen from Hunnewell and Argonia.

Officers recovered one of the trucks a few days later following a police pursuit near Wellington. A 20-year-old Wichita man was taken into custody after the chase.

Following the arrest, Sumner authorities and the Kingman county sheriff’s department searched two Norwich homes Dec. 26. Investigators recovered dozens of items reported stolen at the homes. A 23-year-old Argonia man was also arrested during the investigation.

Prosecutors have charged Kyler Snow and Nash Rathbun with burglary and theft following their arrests.

Charges are also pending against a 32-year-old Rose Hill man wanted in a string of burglaries in Sumner and Butler counties.

Officers arrested the suspect Wednesday, after authorities said a homeowner witnessed a burglary crime.

The sheriff’s office said he entered a shed in the 1000 block of E. 134th Ave. in Mulvane Jan. 11. A 42-year-old woman saw the suspect try to remove property from the shed. The woman drove over to the scene to keep the man from getting away. Authorities said he rammed his pickup into the victim’s vehicle in an attempt to flee.

The woman and her 18-month-old child were not hurt.

The man was arrested on burglary and battery charges.

The Sumner county sheriff said the suspect was at the Kansas Star Casino prior to the crime. The incident occurred within a mile of the Casino.

Sumner county is also working with Butler county authorities involving four similar crimes. Investigators have found pawn slips from items reported stolen at the suspect’s home.

The case has been turned over to the county attorney’s office for review.