One week after the report of two separate break-ins at a pair of rural Montgomery County properties, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department has reported the arrest of three individuals.
Sheriff Robert Dierks said the arrested individuals are Markell McCarter, age 19, Colten Ballew, age 18, and Jordan Fields, age 18, all of Coffeyville. Dierks said he is recommending charges of two counts of burglary, two counts of felony theft, two counts of criminal damage and possession of stolen property.
Dierks said the sheriff’s department recovered all but two items that had been removed from two residences on July 20. The residences were located near the intersection of county roads 3400 and 4700 and the intersection of county road 1400 and 4500. Both homes are in the rural Coffeyville/Liberty area.
Sheriff Dierks states this was a good example of how citizens can assist law enforcement in helping with crimes being committed in the community. Information from citizens led deputies to the arrests, he said.
“My deparmtent commends the citizen that provided this office with information that led to the recovery of stolen property and the individuals responsible for stealing the items out of the victims’ residences,” he said.
* * * *
Sheriff investigates pair of home burglaries
BY ANDY TAYLOR
chronicle@taylornews.org
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the theft of guns and electronic equipment from two rural Montgomery County homes on Tuesday.
Sheriff Robert Dierks said a home on county road 4500 near Coffeyville and a home on county road 4700 near Liberty were targeted by thieves in broad daylight. The residents were not at home at the time, and the burglars were able to enter the homes by knocking down or breaking in through the front door.
All guns and electronic equipment were taken from the two properties, the sheriff said.
“It’s pretty obvious that the guns and electronics are stolen because they can be quickly sold on the street or in exchange for drugs,” said Dierks.
Dierks said he had heard of situations in which burglars attempt to break in through a door or window but knock on the front door first to see if anyone is home.
“If there is any type of suspicious activity, including a stranger knocking on your door, take precautions and report it to our department or local police,” said Dierks.
Dierks also said persons involved in criminal activity are getting desperate for high-priced items. That’s why he has seen an increase in the number of daytime burglaries.
He said people should consider investing in alarm systems, dogs that can startle or frighten away strangers, or defend their own property.
“People have the 2nd Amendment right to protect themselves,” he said. “Bring it on.”
Persons with information about the two burglaries or who see suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods should contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department at (620) 330-1000.
