Deputies arrest suspect

Lincoln County Sheriff Wade Magers reported that deputies arrested a burglary suspect Friday, June 27, in Spokane County. His office had received a complaint that a theft and burglary had occurred northeast of Davenport in the Bald Ridge Road area. The victim reported that a large number of tools, wire and metal with a value in excess of $5,000 were stolen from his shop.

Deputies responded to the residence, investigated the crime scene and gathered physical evidence which led to a search warrant being served in the Hilliard District in Spokane County. Detectives spent several hours doing surveillance on the residence in question, ultimately obtaining enough information to serve a warrant. After executing the search warrant, stolen tools and property from a crime scene in Lincoln County were recovered.

A key suspect was arrested at the scene, Chuck Cropper (47), and charged with second-degree burglary, first-degree theft and malicious mischief and booked into the Lincoln County Jail. Three other suspects are at large in the case that involved two different vehicles. The investigation involved law enforcement from two counties, and deputies and detectives worked hard on it.

"It has been rewarding to quickly arrest a suspect and bring some resolution to the victim. We learned that some of the stolen items were scrapped for money so that narcotics could be purchased," Magers said.

The public is asked to be aware of unusual circumstances and report suspicious vehicles in a timely manner so law enforcement can diligently investigate crimes.