Clay County investigators say three buildings at Smithville Lake in Clay County Parks were broken into and rummaged through on the same day last month, with tools, keys to heavy equipment and other items reported stolen. Investigators said the break-ins also caused significant damage to the facilities.

After the burglaries, deputies increased patrols in the area. Two nights later, at about 1:15 a.m., a deputy spotted a vehicle with broken tail lamps driving near the scene of the earlier crimes. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, investigators said the driver fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit that ended on Mount Olivet Road near NE 132nd Street.

Deputies arrested the driver and searched the vehicle, where they said they found keys and a set of bolt cutters stolen from County Parks. Investigators also recovered what they described as burglary tools, including a pry bar, saw, slim jims used to access locked vehicles, pliers and a skull-shaped mask. Authorities said they also found additional evidence that could connect the suspect to crimes in other cities.

Aaron A. Quinn, 46, has been charged with resisting arrest by fleeing and possession of burglary tools. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed. Officials said theft and damage to public property affect the entire community, and they praised the deputies and investigators who worked to stop the crime pattern quickly.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

A planned series of commercial burglaries in Kearney was thwarted this past weekend thanks to the swift actions of Kearney Police.

On Saturday, March 8, officers from the Criminal Investigations Unit and Patrol Division received a tip about a group of juveniles planning a string of burglaries in the area. As part of proactive patrol efforts, midnight officers were on the lookout when they spotted two individuals walking along Highway 33 at around 2 am. The suspects, dressed in all black with ski masks and carrying large bags, immediately fled on foot upon seeing the officers.

Following a brief search of the area, both juveniles were located and detained. In addition to their ski masks, officers found the suspects wearing socks over their shoes to conceal their footprints, as well as black gloves. One of the juveniles further revealed they had stolen their parent’s vehicle and parked it nearby as a "getaway" car.

Upon investigation, the vehicle was found occupied by a third juvenile, who had been waiting for the other two. Police contacted the parents of the minors involved, and the Clay County Juvenile Office was alerted. The case has now been forwarded to their office for further investigation.

No injuries were reported, and police continue to investigate the motives behind the planned burglaries.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.