Salina Post
Saline County law enforcement assisted each other in arresting two runaway juveniles who committed multiple crimes.
According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), on July 23 at around 3:00 am, officers responded to an alarm at Tractor Supply (3120 Riffle Dr). The alarm was activated when someone attempted to steal two scooter go-karts, which were secured in front of the business.
Employees arrived and reviewed the surveillance video and determined that it appeared to be two male juveniles who attempted to steal the go-karts, but were unsuccessful.
Then, at about 9:30 am, an officer responded to a vehicle burglary at the Hilton Garden Inn (3320 S. 9th) A subject from Manning, Iowa, who had stayed at the hotel the previous night, reported that unknown subjects had entered their 2023 GMC Acadia and stole several items, including credit cards, two checkbooks, and about $200 in cash.
The surveillance video was reviewed, and two juveniles (matching the description of the suspects at Tractor Supply) were seen looking inside vehicles at the hotel parking lot.
Subsequently, the Saline County Sheriff's Office reported that at around 9:50 am, a male employee of Spectrum Metal Craft (304 E. Ave. B) reported his 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood was broken into in the parking lot.
Reportedly, miscellaneous items were stolen and a framed art piece was damaged.
Sheriffs reported that $90 of items went missing and $1,000 was the value of the damaged vehicle. Surveillance footage in the area determined that the same juveniles were responsible.
Two more crimes were committed during the timeframe of noon and 3:50 pm, where a versatile tractor valued at $25,000 that belonged to a 77-year-old male was stolen from the E. Water Well Road area.
It was reported the juveniles stole the tractor and drove it through corn and soybean fields, causing extensive damage valued at $2,000. Moreover, a crossbow was stolen from the area and was valued at $300.
The tractor reportedly ran out of fuel and was recovered, along with the crossbow.
According to the Sheriff's Office, the second crime occurred shortly after the first, when the two juveniles were spotted by employees of the Land Institute driving a stolen 2016 Polaris Ranger with a flat tire near the area.
The Polaris Ranger was reportedly stolen from a farmer in the area.
Employees went over to assist the juveniles for the flat tire. But as they were discussing with them, the employees were suspicious and called the Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene after speaking with the employees and arrested the juveniles, who were both 12 years old.
Law enforcement confirmed the boys were both runaways from a Sedgwick County Boys / Group home.
Authorities arrested and booked them to the Junction City Detention Center in reference to Theft, Criminal damage to property (2), Misdemeanor theft of property, Felony theft of property and Criminal trespass.
The Polaris Ranger was recovered.