Car theft suspect arrested in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – Topeka police executed a search warrant on Friday, June 14, as part of several ongoing vehicle theft investigations, authorities said.

The search warrant to investigate the car theft was executed in the 1100 block of SW 31st Street. Upon arrival, officers arrested two subjects.

Officers found the two stolen vehicles and other stolen goods, including a firearm that was stolen in 2019. Further investigations revealed the criminal use of bank cards.

James R. Crawford, 46, of Topeka, and Samantha A. Martin, 37, of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

James R. Crawford

• Possession of stolen property; serious crime
• Aggravated burglary; confinement for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex crime
• Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor
• Theft of $25,000 to $100,000 from a motor vehicle
• Criminal use of a bank card; counterfeit card under $1,000
• Criminal possession of a firearm by a felony; firearm not used in the commission of the crime

Samantha A. Martin

• Aggravated burglary; confinement for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex crime
• Theft of $25,000 to $100,000 from a motor vehicle
• Criminal use of a bank card; counterfeit card under $1,000
• Possession of stolen property; serious crime

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to email [email protected] or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also submit anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128.

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