By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A vehicle was reported stolen with several firearms inside on Main Street in Hays on New Year's Eve.
According to Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler, the Hays Police Department was alerted by an individual at 3:40 p.m. reporting the theft of his 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, parked at 800 Main St. near Main Street Gym & Fitness.
A video from Dec. 31 allegedly depicts 33-year-old Hays resident Ngabo Salomon Kabika surveying his surroundings before the theft.
"At approximately 3:20 p.m., a black male is seen on video looking through the front door of the gym," Scheibler said. "At 3:26 p.m., the Jeep is seen leaving the parking spot heading north."
Corporal Brandon Bell observed the vehicle pulling into the Cerv's, 1601 Main St.
A male driver exited the vehicle, accompanied by a female, whom Scheibler said was unaware that the vehicle was stolen.
"The female was only a passenger who had been picked up by the guy," he said.
The two suspects started walking toward the store when Bell instructed them to stop.
With the arrival of additional officers, both individuals were taken into custody without any resistance. The female passenger was not arrested, Scheibler said.
Kabika, without a driver's license, was arrested on charges of vehicle burglary, vehicle theft, DUI and firearm theft, and firearm possession stemming from a prior domestic battery conviction.
The suspects did not direct any firearms at anyone on the scene. The weapons discovered in the Jeep were owned by the vehicle's owner.
"The gun in the car was a Winchester SXR 12 Gauge Shotgun and the other one was a Glock 19 handgun," Scheibler said.
Scheibler said there was little risk to the public due to the time it took for Kabika to be apprehended.
"He could have driven into somebody and caused an accident, but the theft occurred within a short time of police locating the vehicle and taking him into custody, so the risk was limited to the public," he said.
Scheibler acknowledges Bell for the short period it took to locate and apprehend the suspects.
Scheibler said stolen vehicles are an ongoing issue and advises residents to take the proper steps in securing their belongings.
"Stolen vehicles continue to be a problem not only in our community but across the country," he said. "We encourage the public to lock their vehicles and not to store their firearms in their cars."