The Beloit Police Department and Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office collaborated in the arrest of 20 year old Justin Howard after a chase which occurred over the course of about two hours on Thursday afternoon of April 20. Howard was wanted on a Shawnee County, Kan. warrant and as a person of interest in a local burglary investigation.
Officers went to an address in the 200 block of S. Poplar Street in Beloit to serve the warrant and speak with Mr. Howard concerning vehicle burglaries committed between 2 and 3 a.m.
Howard fled from officers at approximately 12:22 p.m. by escaping from a window in the residence he was located at and escaping on foot. Following Mr. Howard’s arrest at around 2:20 p.m., several items from the burglaries were recovered including one from the residence Howard was using at the time of his initial contact with law enforcement where he fled.
The Beloit Police Department expressed it’s appreciation to KD Country 94 for the immediate release of Mr. Howard’s description and the community’s help during the chase. They also encourage members of the community to continue locking vehicles, residences and out-buildings to secure valuables. They also encourage residents to continue to be vigilant in looking for suspicious activity.
In a press release earlier today, Beloit Chief of Police Dave Elam said, “Police cannot be everywhere all the time, the community has the ability to be the extra eyes and great resource for police. With the community’s help, the Beloit PD can keep Beloit safe. The community’s support and cooperation is greatly appreciated by all the officers of the Beloit Police Department.”
According to an authorized source with the City of Beloit, police were seeking another person of interest in the burglaries, but it is unknown at this time whether or not that individual has been located.
If you have any information about this case or other suspicious activity, contact the Beloit Police Department at 738-2203.