Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office Makes Arrest in Area Crimes

According to Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs, there have been a number of incidents involving intruders stealing from cars and other burglary and theft incidents in the Gurley and Dalton area. Earlier in August, a Dalton resident reported $2000 stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in a driveway overnight. There have been multiple reports of potential thefts stopped by lights turning on or residents seeing suspicious people lurking about on their properties.

At approximately 1:20 a.m. on August 9, two suspects allegedly stole several hundred dollars worth of tools from Fanny's Fruit Farm on Road 46 in Gurley. The Sheriff's Department reviewed video footage of the suspects, and they were described as two light-skinned males between 18-25 years old. One was carrying a crowbar and the other appeared to be holding a knife. No arrests have been made at this time, but the Sheriff's Department is continuing to investigate these incidents.

Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs said at the time that these appeared to be mostly crimes of opportunity, meaning that the suspects are breaking into unlocked vehicles, garages and sheds. He strongly recommended people keep all vehicle doors locked as well as the doors on garages or sheds secured. Having a "Ring" style camera set up at a home's entrance can often provide video or still footage of trespassers that will help the Sheriff's Office identify suspects.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 14, the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office was contacted by Kimball County Sheriff Dave Hottell regarding information about the recent Gurley and Dalton area burglaries. The Sheriff's Deputies responded to Kimball County and recovered evidence and information related to the burglaries.  

On Thursday, August 15, three search warrants, two on residences and one on a storage unit all located in Sidney, were executed by members of the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office. These warrants resulted in the recovery of several items of stolen property as well as some illegal narcotics.  

Through this investigation, several suspects were identified as being involved in additional burglaries in Cheyenne County as well as crimes in Kimball County.

Robert J. Lester, Jr., 27, of Sterling, CO was arrested on two counts of Burglary, Possession of a Deadly Weapon (firearm) by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine). 

The Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office will be seeking arrest warrants for the remaining suspects and the investigation into these matters is ongoing.

Do not hesitate to call the Sheriff's Department if you believe you have been a victim of theft, or you see any suspicious person lurking about. The Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office phone number is 308-254 -2922. If you are in an emergency situation, dial 911.