May 19, 2021

Police: Kan. felon rode bike out of store without paying

Posted May 19, 2021 12:00 AM
Swisher has previous convictions for burglary, theft, giving worthless checks, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Saline County
Swisher has previous convictions for burglary, theft, giving worthless checks, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Saline County

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection to theft and trespassing incidents.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Monday, police were sent to Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a person who allegedly rode a green and black bicycle out of the store without paying for it, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The bike was valued at $580.

The person was described as a white male wearing a brown shirt, blue jeans, and a camouflage jacket.

Shortly before 5:30 p.m., officers were sent to Wildcat Circle for the report of a burglary in progress. The reporting party and his family were inside the residence when they saw a white male wearing blue jeans and a tan shirt walking into their garage. The resident walked out through the garage and saw the man, who then left the garage and ran from the property carrying a green and black bicycle, Forrester reported.

The man, who a witness identified as Joshua Swisher, 38, of Salina, ran onto the nearby flood dike and continued northbound.

A short time later, an off-duty officer saw a person matching Swisher's description riding a bike in the 100 block of S. Kansas Ave. Officers located Swisher in the backyard of a residence in the 100 block of S. Kansas Avenue, Forrester noted.

Swisher was arrested on requested charges of Theft, Three counts of trespassing and Interference with law enforcement.