Two Juvenile Runaways Linked to Multiple Thefts, Burglaries, and Crop Damage Incidents
Two 12-year-old runaways from a boys' home in Valley Center have been taken into custody after being linked to a string of thefts, burglaries, and property damage incidents in Salina and rural Saline County on July 23.
The investigation began at approximately 3 a.m. when Salina Police responded to an alarm at Tractor Supply, 3120 Riffel Drive. Officers learned two juveniles had attempted to steal two scooter go-carts secured outside the business. Surveillance footage showed the suspects attempting to remove the go-carts, valued at approximately $2,000, but they were unsuccessful.
Later that morning, at approximately 9:30 a.m., officers responded to a vehicle burglary at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3320 S. Ninth Street. A visitor from Manning, Iowa, reported that unknown individuals entered a 2023 GMC Acadia and stole several credit cards, two checkbooks, and approximately $200 in cash. Surveillance footage showed two juveniles matching the description of the suspects seen earlier at Tractor Supply looking into vehicles on the hotel property.
A third incident was reported at 9:58 a.m. at Spectrum Metalcraft, 304 East Avenue. A 23-year-old employee reported his 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood hearse-style vehicle had been burglarized after being parked at the business. Investigators determined two juveniles entered the vehicle, scattered items throughout the interior, and shattered an interior glass divider to gain access to the rear compartment. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $1,000.
Items reported stolen or damaged included epoxy bug paperweights, vitamins, miscellaneous personal property, and an art piece and frame. The total value of the stolen and damaged property, excluding vehicle damage, was estimated at approximately $90. Surveillance footage captured two juveniles entering the vehicle and leaving the area on foot.
During the afternoon, the investigation expanded into rural Saline County after reports of thefts and extensive crop damage near South Ohio Street and East Water Well Road.
According to authorities, the juveniles allegedly stole a 1984 Versatile tractor valued at approximately $25,000, along with an attached implement valued at $5,000 and a crossbow valued at $300 from a nearby farm. Investigators said the tractor was driven through corn and soybean fields, causing significant crop damage before becoming stuck or running out of fuel.
The juveniles then allegedly stole a 2016 Polaris Ranger XP from another nearby property.
At approximately 2:20 p.m., deputies responded to the area of the 3500 block of South Ohio Street after receiving a report of two juveniles near property owned by the Land Institute. Employees had encountered the juveniles with the disabled Polaris Ranger and, after receiving suspect descriptions from dispatch, realized they matched individuals being sought in several investigations. The juveniles fled into a nearby field but were later located and taken into custody by responding deputies and officers.
Authorities recovered the stolen tractor, Polaris Ranger, crossbow, and additional property believed to have been taken during the incidents. Some property reported stolen from the Cadillac remained unaccounted for at the time of the investigation.
The two juveniles were transported to juvenile detention in Junction City. They face multiple allegations, including theft, felony theft, criminal damage to property, felony criminal damage to property, and criminal trespass. Additional damage assessments, including crop losses and equipment damage, remain ongoing.