A 34-year-old Vernon man has been arrested for motor vehicle theft and possession of 15 to 100 grams of methamphetamine.
Marcus Hicks of Fayette Road was taken into custody after he was allegedly found hiding under a blanket in the basement of a home where police had been allowed to search.
Salem Police were notified of the theft of a 2011 Ford Edge sometime on Thursday afternoon from the 100 block of West Sanger. The vehicle was quickly found parked at the Redemption Church on North Hotze Road with no one around.
Police developed Hicks as a suspect in the case and later learned he may be at a home in the 3500 block of West Boone Street northwest of Salem. After a resident of the home gave police permission to search, a sheriff’s deputy in the basement saw a blanket move. The deputy drew his taser and ordered the person under it to put up their hands. Hicks did as instructed and was arrested without incident.
Two baggies of methamphetamine were allegedly found in his possession, leading to the drug charge.
Sheriff’s Deputies believe Hicks was also responsible for a burglary to a small Shakespeare Oil Company oil field office on North Hotze Road south of Tonti Road that was discovered Friday evening. A window was broken, and a couple of pair of pants and a jacket were reportedly stolen. An air conditioner and a table under it were both damaged. Sheriff’s Deputies say Hicks was allegedly wearing the stolen jacket at the time of his arrest.
Hicks was taken to the Marion County Jail to await further court action.
