Duo from Baxter Springs arrested on allegations of Burglary and Theft

A duo from Baxter Springs was taken into custody after their mid-afternoon burglary attempt was foiled, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

39-year-old Justin Merrill and 33-year-old Lacey Powell, both of Baxter Springs, were arrested on allegations of Burglary and Theft.

Cherokee County Deputies were dispatched to a vacant home north of Galena just before 2:30 Monday afternoon after a report of suspicious activity.  

When the first deputy arrived, a suspect was apprehended after allegedly attempting to cut the catalytic converter from a vehicle.

A second suspect was identified by the deputy inside the car and apprehended, when a third suspect fled from inside the home to a wooded area.

A K-9 unit was deployed when other deputies arrived at the scene.

The third suspect’s identity is known, but he has not been located.

Merrill and Powell are both being held in the Cherokee County Jail.

Powell is being held on outstanding warrants for her arrest from Baxter Springs Municipal Court.