Salina Man Arrested After Armed Standoff; Linked to Multiple Burglaries

On December 24, law enforcement officers identified and located Matthew Hewitt, 43, of Salina, as a suspect in a series of burglaries, including a recent burglary involving the Boy Scouts of America.

Officers learned Hewitt had an active federal felony warrant related to firearms violations, as well as a probation violation. Hewitt was located at a hotel in the 1600 block of West Crawford, along with Mindy Burr, 51, also of Salina.

Upon arrival, officers made repeated public announcements for both individuals to exit the hotel room, which were initially ignored. A police negotiator later established phone contact with Hewitt, who told officers he was armed and warned them not to enter the room, making statements interpreted as threats toward law enforcement. After several hours of negotiation, Hewitt began to exit the room but failed to comply with commands to show his hands. A police K-9 was deployed, and Hewitt was taken into custody. He sustained minor injuries, was treated, and then transported to the Saline County Jail.

A search warrant executed on the hotel room led to the discovery of a loaded AR-15 rifle and multiple items of stolen property, including property connected to the Boy Scouts of America burglary. Additional items recovered are believed to be linked to other burglaries in the Salina area. Investigators are continuing to catalog the property and compare it with reports from additional burglary locations, including the Masonic Lodge, Action Travel, and multiple storage unit burglaries dating back to late November.

Hewitt was arrested on multiple charges, including:

•Burglary

•Interference with law enforcement

•Criminal use of a firearm

•Criminal threat

•Federal probation violation related to firearms offenses

Mindy Burr was also arrested and charged with felony interference and harboring a fugitive, as investigators determined she was aware of Hewitt’s active warrant.

The federal warrant was issued by the U.S. Marshals Service in connection with Hewitt’s prior firearms conviction and probation violations.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected as evidence continues to be reviewed.