JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.— Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations
Just before 8:30 p.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a grey 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 truck near 182nd and S. Road due to the tag on the vehicle being registered to a different vehicle.
The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Miami County, Kansas. The driver of the vehicle, Chellcie Sparks, 35, of Mayetta, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and battery on a law enforcement officer.
Just after 7a.m. the next morning, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious person and vehicle with Iowa tags near the residence of Chellcie Sparks at 182nd and S. Roads.
Deputies arrived on scene and found that a fugitive identified as 41-year-old Justin Lane Stephens had barricaded himself inside the residence. Stephens of Springfield, Missouri, had outstanding warrants through Jackson County for burglary, theft, criminal damage, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Stephens was to be considered armed and dangerous.
Stephens was also wanted out of Springfield, Missouri for forgery, and he had an outstanding warrant out of Christian County, Missouri for larceny.
Jackson County deputies served a search warrant on the residence Wednesday, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers also assisted. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team breached the residence after the suspect failed to surrender. Fugitive Justin Lane Stephens was found hiding behind furniture in a bedroom and was taken into custody by deputies.
In addition to the previous charges, Stephens was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, identity theft, possession of counterfeit currency, and felony interference with law enforcement.
An additional person was arrested on the premises, Evin Daniele Crome, 40, of Waterville, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for forgery out of Marshall County.