ESKRIDGE, KS – Two Johnson County teens are facing burglary charges after being apprehended Monday night in connection with an alleged break-in at an abandoned property in Eskridge.
A sergeant with the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office became suspicious of a gray 2018 Hyundai Tucson shortly after it was observed circling a structure on the 200 block of South Cedar without its headlights on. Two individuals, dressed in black, reportedly exited the vehicle, entered an abandoned building with bags, and later loaded items from the property into the Hyundai.
As the vehicle attempted to leave the area, the Sheriff’s Sergeant initiated a traffic stop. The driver was identified as 18-year-old Zane Arthur Burnett, and the passenger as 19-year-old Eli Joseph Hoskins, both residents of Johnson County, Kansas.
A subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle uncovered several items believed to be stolen from the building, including Masonic books, antique photos, and other objects found in wet, dirt-covered bags.
Both Burnett and Hoskins were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wabaunsee County Jail, where they are being held on requested charges of burglary. Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident.
