Junction City, KS – A 21-year-old Junction City man is in custody following an investigation into multiple vehicle burglaries, including the theft of a child’s bicycle.
Just after 7 a.m. on Thursday, Junction City Police Department (JCPD) officers were dispatched to the Michaels Way area after receiving reports of a suspicious individual dressed in all black attempting to enter vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the individuals who reported the suspicious activity and began searching the surrounding area. Their search led them to an individual matching the description within the Hathorne Drive loop. When officers attempted to detain the suspect, he reportedly began to physically resist.
Deputies from the Geary County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly thereafter and assisted JCPD officers in safely taking the individual into custody. The suspect was identified as Clayton Mayfield, 21, of Junction City.
Mayfield was arrested and is facing requested charges of three counts of Vehicle Burglary, one count of Obstruction, and one count of Criminal Damage to City Property. He is currently being held at the Geary County Detention Facility awaiting his first court appearance.
As the investigation continues, officers have successfully recovered and returned stolen property to four victims. Notably, this included a bicycle belonging to a young girl, which authorities found Mayfield using at the time of his arrest.
Authorities are now urging residents living between the Michaels Way loop and the Hathorne Drive loop who suspect they may have been victims of overnight theft from their vehicles to come forward and file a report with the Junction City Police Department. They can be reached at (785) 762-5912.
