Two people have been arrested in connection with burglaries across more than three counties in Northeast Kansas.
Atchison County Under Sheriff Joe Butner said 23-year-old Steven Thornington of Leavenworth and 38-year-old Brenda Wilson of Leavenworth were arrested just before 8 a.m. Wednesday morning in connection with burglaries made in Atchison Co. Kan, Doniphan, and Leavenworth. He said they may have also burglarized homes in Brown county as well.
The Atchison Co. Sheriffs office received a call of suspicious activity involving a vehicle Tuesday night near Labette and 318th Roads. Butner said when the deputy tried to stop the vehicle the driver accelerated and sped away from the deputy who then called for backup and pursued.
The vehicle drove to Morton Road then went about a half a mile into a corn field where the suspects jumped out and ran into a wooded area.
Deputies called for assistance from other law enforcement agencies including the Kansas State Highway Patrol. KSHP brought in a search helicopter Tuesday night and law enforcement established a perimeter.
Butner said the suspects were arrested by deputies Wednesday morning as they tried to make their way out of the corn field.
A third suspect was also believed to be involved. and the search continued with the involvement of KSHP search dogs and handlers but troopers were unable to locate the man. The search was finally called off just after noon Wenesday. Burtner said the third suspect is believed to have left the area at this time.
Thornington and Wilson are being questioned by law enforcement from multiple counties for burglaries that may have occurred all across Northeast, Kan. but mainly in rural areas.
“Going to residences where no one is home and entering sheds, barns,” said Butner.
Butner said their investigation has led them to believe the items stolen by the individuals are being sold for scrap and the money is being used to purchase drugs.
“See so many cases of drug use as well known if you have drug use there’s violence and crimes associated with it,” said Butner. “We run a lot of meth cases through Atchison County courts”
Butner believes with the arrest of these individuals that many of the thefts that have been taking place around the region will stop for awhile.
The number of burglaries the individuals have committed at this time is not known. Butner said investigators from multiple counties are still trying to connect all of the dots but that the suspects are cooperating at this time.
Thornington and Wilson both have a criminal history.
Charges in connection with the burglaries are pending at this time.