GREAT BEND -Barton County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a series of stolen vehicles and stolen property originating at various locations in Barton County.

On April 1, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 4 NW. 30 Road, Area 9, lot 12, All Seasons Mobile Home Park.

Deputies recovered several stolen items as well as developed information concerning at least three stolen vehicles.

Two of the vehicles were recovered by the Barton County Sheriff’s Office including a 2004 Ford F350, taken in Russell County and a Ford F250 stolen in Barton County.

Authorities say it is suspected both of the vehicles were used to facilitate burglaries in and around Barton and Russell counties.

A third vehicle was seized by the Great Bend Police Department in the early morning hours of April 2, when a driver attempted to flee from officers in the City of Great Bend.

The vehicle had been connected to thefts being investigated by the Sheriff’s office and was impounded at the Sheriff’s office garage.

Subsequently a search warrant was obtained by Sheriff’s Detective David Paden and in the process of examination, it was discovered the vehicle was bearing stolen registration from one of the other vehicles stolen. Methamphetamine was also found in the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle Randy J. Dent, 45 arrested by the Great Bend Police Department for fleeing and eluding has also been charged by the Sheriff’s office for possession of methamphetamine and possession of stolen property.

Dent is being held in the Barton County jail in lieu of $5000 bond for the city charges and $10,000 bond for charges relating to the controlled substances and stolen property.
The investigation is ongoing.