DONIPHAN — A cooperative investigation between the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, the Doniphan Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol has resulted in six arrests on charges ranging from burglary to felony drug possession.
Arrested on suspicion of felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property are J.D. Comstock, 37, of Baxter County, Ark., Christopher Wolner, 45, of Corning, Ark., Dennis Tinsley, 67, of Fairdealing, Cabe Sweeza, 26, of Oxly; and George Wallace Jr., 61, and Jeffery Winters, 39, both of Doniphan. Also arrested and charged with receiving stolen property is Ricky Gerane Woods Jr., 45, of Doniphan.
The arrests stem from a call around 7 a.m., July 27, from a resident of the 160 W-3 area stating that someone had burglarized a shop building on the property.
Deputies were dispatched to that area, where the homeowner stated that two chainsaws, a battery charger, an air nail gun, several fishing poles, a gas-powered water pressure washer and numerous assorted tools were discovered missing.
A short time later Doniphan dispatch received a call from a resident in the Highway 160E-2 area, stating that “a dark-colored SUV” had backed up to the home, exited the vehicle and tried to look into the front window.”
The resident went outside and spoke to the suspect, who claimed he was “lost, and looking for a place to go fishing.”
The resident was reportedly able to give a description of the suspect, and had noted he was “wearing a medical boot.”
Soon after, a call was received of a second attempted break-in, also in that same area.
The homeowner stated that when the suspect saw that someone was home, he “took off running on foot,” and was able to flee the scene.
While deputies were moving from the locations where the calls were being received and interviewing the victims, city officers were looking for the black SUV.
Doniphan dispatch received a house alarm call from a fourth residence.
Finding no one at home, the suspect apparently grabbed several items of jewelry and some cash before leaving the scene of the second burglary. However, he was gone by the time officers arrived.
Barton stated the second caller “had noticed the vehicle we were looking for was at a residence on JJ Highway the previous day, so we drove by there. The vehicle wasn’t there, but an officer was leaving Doniphan and met it. “
The vehicle, which by then was being driven by a female, was seized and she was taken in for questioning.
She confirmed that the suspect, Comstock, was at the JJ Highway residence.
“We went back to that residence and there we made contact with Comstock,” says Barton. Upon closer investigation, various items were noted in plain view that matched descriptions of some of the items taken from the shop on 160 W-3.
Comstock was arrested and taken to the sheriff’s department for further questioning.
“We had enough evidence to arrest him for the thefts and for the suspected burglary attempts,” said Barton.
He had active warrants out of Baxter County for burglary, stealing, and armed criminal action, as well as a warrant for escaping custody during a court-ordered work program.
Comstock was taken to the Arkansas line and turned over to authorities there. He will face charges in Arkansas before being extradited back to Missouri.
Based on information gathered during the investigation, Barton says, “Two search warrants were obtained, one for the residence of Ricky Woods, and the other for the residence of Dennis Tinsley, to search for stolen property.
“We went to Tinsley’s home at Highway 160E-28B, and during that search we discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and stolen property.”
Arrested at that time were Tinsley and the three other suspects.
Woods, who was also arrested for drug possession charges and receiving stolen property, was transported, along with the other four suspects, to Wayne County. Bond of $50,000 was set for each, and they are expected to be arraigned in Ripley County Circuit Court.
Sheriff Barton stated, “We were able to work together with the city and highway patrol to recover most of the stolen property and make these arrests. But also, the success of this investigation is because of the observations of the victims.
He shares tips for homeowners. “Many times suspects attempting to burglarize a home will make statements claiming to be lost or looking for someone. Citizens should consider that a red flag, and notify us immediately. It may come to nothing in the end, but it also may be a lead. We will follow up on such reports.”