By NATE KING
Salina Post
The Saline County Sheriff's Office is investigating a burglary and vehicle theft at a residence in the 4900 block of East North Street. The theft occurred between 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday while the homeowners were at work.
According to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan, the homeowner left for work at 7 a.m. but realized at 12:30 p.m. that the house alarm system had not been set. Although the house was unlocked, she activated the alarm remotely using her phone.
"When she came home after work, she came into the house and saw some muddy footprints in the kitchen. Then she walked around the bedroom and saw some shoes that were disturbed," Soldan said. "The only thing they can see missing from the house is a Walther PP .22 pistol valued at $300."
The homeowner also reported the theft of a white 1991 Jeep Renegade with a black top, valued at $5,000, from the shed.
Soldan said the burglary and vehicle theft may be connected to a Salina Police Department (SPD) pursuit the previous night.
Soldan said the pursuit ended with a suspect abandoning a vehicle about a quarter mile from the residence where the Jeep Renegade was stolen. Soldan said it is possible that the suspect took shelter in the area before burglarizing the residence.
SPD Cpt. James Feldman said the pursuit began at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday when an officer attempted to stop a white 2005 Nissan Maxima for speeding in the 400 block of North Santa Fe.
"The vehicle fled eastbound on East North Street, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph and running multiple stop signs," Feldman said. "The pursuit continued into the county."
After the suspect pulled into a driveway in the 700 block of North Cunningham, he left the vehicle. The driver fled on foot and was not located.
According to Feldman, a 28-year-old female from Salina, who was a passenger in the Nissan, remained in the vehicle and was not charged with any crimes.
Sheriff Soldan noted that the pursuit ended about a quarter mile from the residence where the burglary occurred. It is possible the suspect took shelter in the area before committing the crime.
Feldman said a possible suspect has been identified, but no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Salina Police Department’s non-emergency phone number is (785) 826-7210.