Tuesday, July 03, 2012
News Release

During the last week of June, officers with the Winfield Police Department have responded to numerous reports of burglaries to automobiles and thefts of motorized vehicles.

On July 2, 2012 officers conducting follow up investigation located three suspects at a residence located at 22626 101st road in Cowley County. 

During questioning, the suspects led officers to an area where some items of stolen property had been disposed of.  Numerous items of stolen property connected to theft cases from Winfield, Arkansas City and Cowley County were recovered at the residence as well.

During interviews with the three initial suspects officers developed more suspects connected with additional burglary cases.  As a result of the investigation to this point three arrests have been made.  Additional arrests may be forthcoming. 

Officers have arrested Justin S. Nevitt, 18, Winfield.  Mr. Nevitt was booked into the Cowley County Jail on charges of burglary to a motor vehicle, theft, and criminal damage to property.  Two 17 year old male juveniles have also been arrested on similar charges.  The two juveniles were transported to Hutchinson Juvenile Detention and will be brought back for an initial court appearance.

The Winfield Police Department would like to take this opportunity to encourage citizens to make sure their vehicles are locked when they are parked and unattended.  No forced entry was made to vehicles in any of the cases being investigated.  Even if you are only going to be away from your vehicle for a short period of time, locking your vehicle will help prevent thefts.  The Winfield Police Department would also like to encourage citizens to check their vehicles to determine if they may be missing property.  Several items have been recovered that have been identified as stolen property, but these items have not yet been reported to the police department as stolen.  Many of these items are smaller items that a person may not realize they are missing for several days such as ipods and gps devices.  If you are missing an item please report it to the Winfield Police Department at 221-5555.  If you have information concerning the cases mentioned above or any crime you may report it anonymously by calling Cowley County Crime Stoppers at 221-7777 in Winfield, 441-7777 in Arkansas City or using the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.