HERINGTON —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of alleged vehicle thefts, have one suspect in custody and are asking the public for help with the investigation.
On Friday, Herington Police Department personnel executed a search warrant in the 200 block of Grant Street in Alta Vista in Wabaunsee County, according to a social media report from police.
The warrant was executed as a result of a cooperative investigative effort between the Herington Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol, according to information posted on the Herington Police Department Facebook page. The Junction City Police Department and Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the execution of the search warrant.
During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that deceptive methods were used to steal multiple vehicles from the Junction City and Herington areas, as well as in Nebraska and Iowa.
Thus far, the total loss amount is believed to be in excess of $100,000, the department reported.
During the execution of the search warrant, officers took Matthew Teague, 36, of Alta Vista, into custody on an Arrest and Detain Order issued by the Kansas Department of Corrections and on multiple requested felony charges related to the theft of motor vehicles and other property.
Law enforcement personnel are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying other businesses that may be victims of the same type of crimes and are also searching for any person who may have assisted Teague.
Additionally, they also are attempting to identify and locate a black male who identified himself as "Andre Murphy."
"If you or someone you know has sold or purchased a motor vehicle or other property or equipment from Matthew Teague or a person presenting himself as Andre Murphy, please contact Detective Jonathan Thompson with the Herington Police Department at 785-258-2227 or Detective Al Babcock with the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912 immediately.