From Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, officers from the Great Bend Police Department responded to several reports of residential burglaries and thefts in a general area on the west side of Great Bend.
During the subsequent investigations, property that was reported stolen was located outside of a storage unit at Holiday Apartments, 5210 10th Street.
Officers made contact with Demarkaus Newman, age 35; and Crystal Bates, age 37, at the storage unit and located other reported stolen items. Further investigation revealed several more storage units containing additional stolen items.
Property found in the storage units was able to be tied to Newman and Bates. The majority of the property reported stolen was recovered and returned to the owners.
Officers and detectives also responded to the 1100 block of Sherman Street in connection to these cases. Following cooperation from the homeowner, officers were able to locate additional stolen property from Dollar General, 5318 10th Street.
Newman was arrested on charges of aggravated burglary, three counts of burglary, theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and criminal trespass.
Bates was arrested on charges of aggravated burglary, three counts of burglary, theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and criminal trespass.
Newman and Bates were transported to the Barton County Detention Center and booked in lieu of bond.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.