Police on the Trail of Burglary Ring
Atoka City Police are actively investigating a series of burglaries believed to be connected, with evidence suggesting the culprits have been operating since early last week.
Detective Jerry Richard confirmed that the investigation began following a report of a break-in on May 23 in the 100 block of East Main Street. Authorities suspect the involvement of a burglary ring due to similarities in the methods used across multiple incidents reported since then.
The burglar(s) have been targeting everyday household items. 'In the recent break-in, three turkeys, cheese, butter, eggs, and other commodities were taken,' stated Richard. 'Police expect to make more arrests this week in connection with this ongoing investigation. The charges will be seconddegree burglary.'
Authorities expressed frustration regarding the burglaries. 'There are a whole string of burglaries we expect to be related,' Richard noted.
In a separate incident, police reported the arrest of a 17-year-old high school girl who allegedly tried to pick up a younger child recently. Officer Greg Ridgeway said a concerned parent picked up the child and followed the teenager's vehicle based on the child's description, ultimately directing police to her. Police took the girl to Durant, where she reportedly identified the man she claimed followed her and repeatedly asked her for a ride, according to police reports.
While the District Attorney's office decided not to file kidnapping charges because there was no evidence of the man touching the child or physically forcing her into the car, and the man could not be located, police were still concerned. 'It is frustrating, but it is nobody's fault,' Ridgeway commented.
The matter of child safety remains a priority for the police department. Officer Ridgeway is scheduled to address parents at Dunbar School on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. He will discuss child safety and provide information on how to prevent the abduction of children.
