SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the burglary and theft of a law enforcement vehicle and equipment made an arrest.
The burglary occurred April 17, in the overnight hours at the Spring Hill Suites, 2745 SW Fairlawn Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.
Police later located the vehicle unoccupied in the 1800 block of SE Maryland Street.
Investigators identified a suspect and have been working to find him. Just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday, located and arrested Vashawn M. Fitzpatrick, 36, of Topeka, in the 4400 block of SE Michigan Avenue in Topeka.
Fitzpatrick was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Theft $25,000 <$100,000 Motor Vehicle, Theft of Firearm with value less than $25,000 (From Motor Vehicle), Possession of stolen property; Felony Theft >$1,500 <$25,000 Motor Vehicle and 8 warrants. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.