After break-ins are reported

Thanks to a joint effort between the Vian Police Department and Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s office, along with numerous tips from the public last week, authorities were able to apprehend Amber Barnett, 31, of Vian. She was booked into the Sequoyah County Detention Center on Oct. 1.

Vian Police Chief Mark Harkins said in the early morning hours of Sept. 27, while continuing saturation patrols of individuals breaking into houses, officers came in contact with Barnett.

The police chief said Vian had seen an increase of breakins and items being taken from unoccupied residences or properties, which initiated the saturation patrols.

“These properties are owned by individuals or entities that deserves the protection of the property and the contents to be maintained, just like any lived-in property,” he said.

Harkins said while confirming a felony warrant for second degree burglary, Barnett decided it was not a good time for her to be held accountable for her outstanding warrants.

“Miss Barnett ran from officers and escaped custody. We knew she was known to frequent El Siesta motel and a residence on Rodgers and Suzanne Street,” he said.

Harkins later posted the information to the Vian Police Department’s Facebook page, in hopes of locating Barnett.

“Miss Barnett was located hiding in the brush and woods behind the Dollar General in Vian and was taken into custody without incident,” he said.

He said he and the department would like to thank the many callers that provided information, leading to Barnett’s capture and arrest.

“These saturations will continue with relentless pursuit of individuals breaking into these properties, along with investigations into narcotics, stolen property, and other related crimes to this behavior,” Harkins concluded. “We will continue to provide the most professional manner of service to our community that they deserve.”