Elk City, OK – An arrest has been made in connection to a recent storage facility break-in in Beckham County, according to Sheriff Derek Manning.
The case, which was first reported last week, involved multiple break-ins at a storage property where several camper trailers and a semi-truck were damaged and entered. A small number of items were also reported stolen.
Sheriff Manning said deputies had been actively working the case since the initial report, following leads and tips from the community.
Late last week, deputies responded to a report of a possible trespasser behind Tractor Supply in Elk City but were unable to locate anyone after searching the area.
The following morning, new information led a deputy back out to an area behind Steve’s Diesel, where multiple storage units and old school buses are located. While checking the buses, the deputy heard what sounded like a door closing.
“As he was searching, he saw someone inside one of the buses and called for backup,” Manning said.
Manning, who was nearby at the time, responded within moments to assist. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene on suspicion of trespassing and burglary.
Authorities quickly recognized the individual from surveillance images and video collected during the investigation. The suspect later admitted to being involved in the break-ins.
Investigators also utilized a newer technology known as Rapid DNA testing, which allows law enforcement to process DNA evidence much faster than traditional methods.
“We were able to take a sample to OSBI and get results back in about three hours,” Manning said. “It matched the suspect perfectly.”
The suspect remains in custody. At this time, the stolen items have not been recovered, and the investigation is ongoing.
Manning also noted that another burglary reported further west in the county last week may be connected. That case involved stolen tablets and similar items, though authorities have not yet confirmed a link.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office.
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