The Centralia Police Department has arrested two people in connection with a burglary to a downtown business discovered Tuesday morning.
Police say entry was gained to Wethington Photography in the 400 block of East Broadway by smashing out a front window. Items valued at more than $16,000 were stolen. Most were later recovered.
Following the investigation, 36-year-old Adam King of Parkview Drive in Centralia and 48-year-old John Harden of South Perrine in Centralia were taken into custody. King has been charged in Marion County Court with burglary, felony theft, and felony criminal damage to property. Harden has been charged with two counts of felony theft. Bond for both was set at $50,000 and public defenders were appointed to represent them. Both were also ordered to have no contact with the victim.
Police report their first tip came from an area resident followed by information from a Centralia City Firefighter who had seen a man pulling a trash can on the sidewalk in front of the Centralia Regional Library. They located some of the stolen items in the area and followed the trail to a nearby apartment house in the 600 block of East Broadway. After getting permission from the owner they went inside and found more evidence leading up to the entry door of a third-floor apartment.
After getting a search warrant, police attempted to gain entry but the person inside, later identified as Harden, would not let them in. While getting permission from the owner to breach the door, Harden was reportedly using a screwdriver taken in the burglary to try and seal the door shut.
While the search warrant was being executed, King reportedly walked up the stairs carrying a camera bag also taken in the break-in.
Police report additional items were recovered at a second home. They believe King was the one who smashed the window, resulting in the criminal damage charge.
Video surveillance also allegedly tied the two to the burglary.
Centralia Police were assisted by the State Police Crime Scene Investigation unit.
Centralia Police Administrative Lieutenant Steve Whritenour is commending the work of the patrol and investigative divisions in doing an excellent job of quickly solving the burglary and returning the stolen items to the owner. He’s also commending a nearby resident and a city firemen who initially reported the suspicious activity.
