Two arrested for residential burglary

On Saturday morning, August 24, 2019, at approximately 9:30 AM, officers of the Pittsburg Police Department responded to 511 N. Woodland St.  regarding a report of a residential burglary. Officers learned the residence had been forcibly entered during the overnight hours while the residents were not present. Numerous items of property, including cash money, power tools, and firearms were stolen.

On Wednesday afternoon, August 28, 2019, the victim of this burglary located the suspects at a residence in the 500 block of E. 14th St. and contacted authorities. The suspects had apparently tried to sell the stolen property to one of the victim’s relatives, who then alerted the victim. 19-year-old Benjamin P.G. Hartman, of Pittsburg, and 58-year-old Gary L. Murphy, also of Pittsburg, were detained at that time pending additional follow up by officers and detectives. The suspects were later arrested and transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office for booking.

Mr. Hartman was arrested for felony theft of a firearm, felony burglary of a dwelling with intent to commit a theft, felony burglary of a dwelling with intent to steal a firearm, felony theft and misdemeanor criminal damage. Mr. Hartman is being held in lieu of a $5,000.00 bond.

Mr. Murphy was arrested for felony theft of a firearm, felony burglary of a dwelling with intent to commit a theft, felony burglary of a dwelling with intent to steal a firearm, felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony theft and misdemeanor criminal damage. Mr. Murphy also had a parole detainer issued for him through the Kansas Department of Corrections and is being held without bond.

The power tools and all but one of the firearms that were stolen from 511 N. Woodland St. on August 24th have been recovered.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing at this time. Anyone having information related to this incident, or other crimes, is urged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700, or at our automated tip line, (620) 231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.