Dec 24, 2023

Police capture Kansas porch pirate, recover stolen items

Posted Dec 24, 2023 11:00 PM
Swarthout -photo Shawnee County
Swarthout -photo Shawnee County

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged theft and additional crimes.

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, police  responded to a package theft in the 1700 block of SW Shunga Drive in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

As a result of collaboration between patrol officers and community police officers, a suspect was identified as Edward L. Swarthout, 41, of Topeka.

Around 4 p.m., community police officers located Swarthout in the 700 block of SW Fairlawn Road. They also found the stolen items and narcotics.

Police arrested Swarthout and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of theft, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.