SIKESTON -- Sikeston Department of Public Safety officials have connected two Sikeston teens to two burglaries in the past week.
The first occurred around 8:45 p.m. Monday, when police responded to a report at Smith Avenue Church of God, 420 Smith Ave. in Sikeston. The two subjects, whose names DPS would not release because of their age, forced entry into the church, which they vandalized by cutting chairs, carving walls with a knife and other property damage. Items were also stolen, including money and electronics.
At 12:47 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to another report of burglary, at Food Giant, 700 N. Main St. The juveniles were apprehended while trying to gain entry into the store. When the officer asked the two to lie face down on the ground, one could not because his right hand was trapped inside the metal doors. Subjects were held at gunpoint until another officer arrived.
South Scott County Ambulance was called to the scene to examine the suspect's hand, for which the juvenile refused treatment.
A third officer, who had worked the church burglary, later arrived on the scene and noticed similarities between shoe patterns. Then, one of the juveniles stated he wished to "get something off his mind," according to the DPS report. Officers read the Miranda warning, which he and his guardian signed.
A statement was then taken regarding the youth's participation, with his companion, in both robberies.
Damage was done to the metal doors, and the two were in possession of a hammer, screwdriver, steak knife, shovel and fence post.
The subjects were arrested and have since been released.