SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on theft charges after an incident in an apartment parking lot.
Just after 4:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the Pines Apartment, 238 SW Gage Blvd in Topeka in reference to two individuals potentially prowling in parked vehicles, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.
Officers came on scene and located an unoccupied Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot that had been stolen out of Douglas County, Kansas.
The truck bed was full of items and offices also located A firearm in the passenger seat. Officers took two suspects identified as 22-year-old Robert Kenneth Payne and 18-year-old Bryce Cordell Walker both of Topeka into custody at the scene.
Just before 9a.m. as officers and detectives were still conducting their investigation a victim called and reported his firearm was stolen from his vehicle overnight. That firearm was confirmed as the same firearm recovered from the stolen truck. This firearm had been stolen previously in another incident and had just been returned to the victim December of 2021.
As a result of the investigation, the two suspects were transported to Shawnee County Department of corrections. Payne is being held on requested charges for Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Warrant arrest through Junction City.
Walker is jailed on requested charges of Criminal Possession of Firearm, Theft (F) over $25,000, Criminal Possession of Firearm by Felon within 3 years of Conviction, Bench Warrant from Pawnee County for Theft.