BY SALINA POST
Salina Police Department (SPD) officers are investigating a burglary at Virg’s Auto Repair that resulted in vehicle damage, theft, and thousands of dollars in property damage early Monday morning.
According to SPD Captain James Feldman, officers responded to Virg’s Auto Repair, 501 E. Pacific, around 5:45 a.m. on February 10 after employees reported a break-in. A back window had been shattered to gain entry to the business.
During the investigation, employees discovered damage to two vehicles on the lot. A white Lexus ES300 had its front bumper partially ripped off and a shattered headlight, while a silver Chevy Avalanche sustained a dent on the front driver’s side wheel well. An airsoft pistol was reported stolen from the office.
A 2020 gray Dodge Durango Pursuit, valued at $16,000, was also stolen from the property. The Durango, owned by a 36-year-old Salina man, was driven through a fence into a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) property at 1006 N. 3rd Street and then through a KDOT-owned gate. The damage was estimated at $5,000.
The stolen vehicle was last seen in the McPherson area shortly before being reported missing. SPD officers recovered the stolen airsoft pistol near the spot where the Durango had been taken. A possible suspect has been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.