SALINA – Law enforcement authorities in Salina County are investigating a north central Kansas man for alleged theft.

Justin Kemmerer, 27, Jewell County, was arrested just after 12-noon on Saturday in connection with an attempted theft at a Salina motel, according to Police Captain Mike Sweeney

Officers were sent to the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 W. Crawford, after an employee of the hotel observed a man attempting to pry open a coin operated washing machine.

Kemmerer was initially spotted near a van but he fled as police were arriving at the hotel.

Inside the van, police found Kemmerer’s four children under the age of 9.

Kemmerer later returned to the hotel and was taken into custody.

He was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges that included attempted theft, criminal damage to property and child endangerment.