On Tuesday, March 25, at approximately 12:16 a.m. an officer with the Great Bend Police Department observed a vehicle southbound in the 2400 Block of Morton Street. The officer observed the vehicle to have a defective tag light and conducted a traffic stop at 24th and Main.
During contact with the driver, the officer was given a name that was later proven to be false. The officer re-contacted the driver who admitted to be Phillip Markum, age 23. Markum stated to the officer he was the registered owner of the vehicle. Markum further stated he had financial cards in his wallet that belonged to a family member. The officer was advised otherwise by Barton County Dispatch.
Another officer contacted the registered owner who informed officers that her vehicle had been stolen. Markum was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail. While there, it was determined the financial cards he had in his wallet had been reported stolen in a previous case of aggravated burglary. During questioning, Markum admitted to entering a residence to steal the items.
Markum was booked on the charges of aggravated burglary in lieu of a $75,000.00 bond. He was also booked in lieu of a $10,000 bond for the charges of felony theft, felony interference, no driver's license, no insurance and no tag light.