Fort Scott investigation leads to arrest of burglary suspects

By Michael Glover

Herald-Tribune

Fort Scott, Kan. -- A simple motorist assist early Thursday led to an investigation that ended with Fort Scott police arresting a Missouri couple on suspicion of burglary and theft.

Around 1:53 a.m., police responded to the area of Sixth Street and U.S. Highway 69 to assist Shelly L. Carter, 28, who was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Police ran the license number through a national theft database, and the vehicle turned out to be stolen from Carthage, Mo. Police also determined Carter was under the influence of alcohol.

After further speaking to Carter, officers learned that her husband, Craig A. Carter, 32, was staying at the Azure Sky Motel in Fort Scott. Police hit the jackpot when, following a conversation with Craig, they discovered numerous tools ranging from socket sets to full-sized tool boxes inside his motel room.

After investigating further, they determined that the tools may have been stolen from three tenants staying at the motel. The items were allegedly taken from trucks owned by the tenants.

Gerald Skiles of Girard reported a missing plastic tool box, valued at $100, from his black Dodge truck; Shaun Crocker of Springfield, Mo., told police he was missing a Craftsman tool box, valued at $200, from his blue Chevrolet truck; and Carl Hicks of Willow Springs, Mo., reported missing wrenches, a flashlight, a drill, a socket set and a camouflage burlap bag, a total value of around $120. He said the items were missing from his Ford F-150 truck.

Police declined to reveal what Shelly said that tipped them off to investigate the alleged thefts at the motel. They also declined to say how entry was allegedly made to the vehicles, which is not subject to open public record.

"It was a good police investigation," Lt. Travis Shelton said. "Officers knew something wasn't right" and further investigated the matter which led to the arrests, he said.

The Impala belonged to Ashley Arrowood of Carthage, Mo. It was stolen Monday from Oriental Villa, a restaurant in Carthage, Carthage Police Sgt. Det. Scott White said. Arrowood was working when the car was ripped off. It was unlocked and the keys were left inside the vehicle, White said.

The car was not damaged and was returned to Arrowood, White said.

Police are working with the Pittsburg and Carthage police departments to identify additional tools found in the stolen Impala that are believed to belong to theft victims, Shelton said.

The Carters reside from Goodman, Mo., a town of about 1,180 in southwest Missouri.

Shelly was arrested at 2:27 a.m., for driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of stolen property, felony theft and burglary. Craig was arrested about 1 1/2 hours later for possession of stolen property, felony theft and burglary. Police also found he had a McDonald County, Mo., warrant for burglary, stealing, tampering with a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.

They are being held at Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center awaiting formal charges that have not been filed as of Friday afternoon.

According to employees at the motel, Shelly checked into the motel at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and workers didn't see the couple together around that time.

Craig has been accused of criminal activity in the past. Since 2001, he has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, child endangerment, burglary, theft, tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, among other charges.