Pair arrested in connection with break-ins

VW County Sheriff’s information

Two people have been arrested in connection with break-ins at two local veterans organizations, according to Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach.

Robert E. Tackett, 77, and Roger A. Hemry, 51, both of Lima, were arrested in connection with break-ins at Amvets Post 698 in Middle Point and American Legion Post 207 in Willshire. Sheriff Riggenbach said information developed by local sheriff’s deputies and assistance by the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force aided in the arrest of the two men, who were taken into custody for a break-in that occurred early Sunday morning in Seneca County.

The sheriff said the Seneca County break-in was similar to the two in Van Wert County and several others around the state. Sheriff Riggenbach added that evidence collected at the local break-ins would be submitted for comparison to evidence collected Sunday morning.

The sheriff said the investigation into the local break-ins is ongoing and county detectives would be working with Seneca County law enforcement officials.

Sheriff Riggenbach asks that anyone who has information on the local break-ins contact his office at 419.238.3866 or use the office website, www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and click on the “Submit a Crime Tip” link. Those providing information can remain anonymous. The sheriff said his office would continue to aggressively pursue any tips received.

Area residents can also submit crime information by contacting Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP, which also allows those providing information to remain anonymous.

The West Central Ohio Crime Task Force is comprised of officers from the Van Wert County, Allen County and Paulding County Sheriff’s Offices, the Lima Police Department and several state and federal agencies. It operates within a multi-county area to combat drugs and major crimes.