A teen was arrested Monday in connection with several vehicle burglaries in central Salina.
Officers were sent to the 200 block of South Eighth Street at 7 a.m. Monday for the report of a vehicle burglary in progress, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester reported this morning. A 38-year-old female from Salina had stepped outside her residence to have a cigarette and found James Laughlin, 18, of Salina, in her 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, according to Forrester. The woman reported that Laughlin was removing items from her car when she confronted him and told him to leave, Forrester explained. Laughlin had removed several items of clothing and a can containing approximately $30 in change, Forrester noted. Total value of the items removed was $330, he added.
While an officer was talking with the woman, another woman approached the officer and reported that her boyfriend called from work and said his vehicle -- a 1991 Honda Civic also in the 200 block of South Eighth Street -- had been burglarized as well, Forrester explained. The man reported that an M-16 cleaning kit, a socket set, an electronic tool kit, an orange lighter, an American flag face mask, a portable air compressor, and a stereo faceplate were missing, Forrester noted. Total loss was $455, he added.
According to Forrester, officers recovered additional property in Laughlin’s backpack, including paperwork belonging to a 56-year-old Salina man who lives in the 700 block of West Walnut Street. Officers made contact with the man and learned his 2001 Chevy Silverado had been burglarized, Forrester explained. The man reported missing a black coin holder, a wedding band, a black and silver cigar container with several cigars, with a total loss valued at $2,050, Forrester noted.
All of the items were recovered, he added.
Laughlin was arrested with the following charges requested, Forrester reported.
Three counts of vehicle burglary
One count of felony theft
Two counts of misdemeanor theft