St Joseph Police believe they’ve arrested two people responsible for a lot of vehicle thefts and break-ins in our area.

Officers arrested Kaleb Lukehart and John Van Wicklin. Lukehart has been linked to at least five stolen car reports St Joe along with Clinton, Platte and Buchanan counties. He has been charged with resisting arrest by fleeing and car theft. He’s being held without bond.

Van Wicklin is in jail unable to post $15,000 bond. Van Wicklin is charged with tampering with a motor vehicle.

In a news release, Commander Jim Connors says Officer Aaron King spotted a vehicle reported stolen in Plattsburg. He caught up with the veicle, and Van Wicklin, at a home at 4014 Terrace Ave, and took the suspect into custody.

Later Monday, officers James Tonn and Brad Kerns were traveling in the area of the 600 block of Warsaw when they noticed a blue Kia that had been reported stolen. The vehicle was still running and was parked on the sidewalk.

Officials say when Lukehart spotted the officers, he retreated into the house and locked the front door. The officers called for back-up. As other units arrived in the area entry was gained into the house and Lukehart was taken into custody.

St Joe police say Lukehart has been linked with at least 5 stolen car reports from various jurisdictions including St. Joseph, Clinton County, Platte County and rural Buchanan County. Lukehart has been charged with Resisting arrest by fleeing and car theft. He is being held without bond.