By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
The report of a vehicle burglary turned into much more Friday.
Carlos Valtierra-Picasso, 25, of Salina, reported that his 2007 Chevrolet Silverado was stolen from in front of his house, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning. The pickup was valued at $15,000. Valtierra-Picasso told police that he accidently left his keys in the pickup, Forrester said.
A bit later, someone who knew Valtierra-Picasso told police that his pickup was in the 100 block of Parkway Avenue and the driver was still inside, Forrester said.
Police arrived and arrested Jason Howard, 27, of Salina. Forrester said that Howard allegedly was in possession of some marijuana gummies. During a search of the pickup, police found a Glock 23 handgun that was later determined to have been stolen from an unlocked 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe in the 800 block of Sherman Street. The Tahoe and handgun belonged to Jack Rhodes, 27 of Salina, Forrester said.
Additionally, a neighbor of Valtierra-Picasso's, James Thompson, 66, of Salina, reported that his 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 had been gone through, but nothing was stolen. There were no signs of forced entry, Forrester said.
Howard was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said.
●Felony theft
●Theft
●Possession by a convicted felon of a weapon
●Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
●Possession of drug paraphernalia
●No drug tax stamp
●Three counts of vehicle burglary