Quincy police make arrest in burglaries

Incidents still under investigation

QUINCY —The Quincy Police Department arrested two men Monday who investigators believe are responsible for numerous burglaries and vehicular prowling incidents in the Quincy area over the last month.

Authorities were investigating a burglary at Family Pawn and Loan on Central Avenue South when they received information that some of the property stolen was at a 230 I Street SW home. With the assistance of Grant County Sheriff's Office deputies, QPD officers arrested 23-year-old Wade Allen Nelson and 21-year-old Matthew Simon Garoutte.

The QPD said in a news release that the two men were arrested on numerous charges, including trafficking in stolen property. A search warrant of the residence led officers to recover additional property connected with the burglary, and police believe the men are connected to a number of burglaries and vehicle prowls in Quincy in the last month.

Quincy Police Chief William Gonzales said Tuesday that the total number of incidents the men had been involved in is not known. Gonzales said investigations may lead to additional charges against more suspects who have been arrested by the QPD on other charges.

"We're going through a lot of evidence that we've connected through these burglaries," Gonzales said Tuesday.

Gonzales said the officers have sent evidence and information to the crime lab.

Nelson was booked into the Grant County Jail on charges of second-degree possession of stolen property, trafficking in stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of under 40 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Garoutte was booked into the jail on charges of second-degree possession of stolen property and trafficking in stolen property. The QPD said both men were believed to have been residing at the I Street SW home where they were arrested.

The QPD is asking anyone with information regarding recent vehicular prowling incidents, or anyone with information regarding the two men or other burglaries, to call the QPD at (509) 787-4718 ext. 305. Gonzales is also advising people to call 911 if they see or hear anything suspicious. Information can be given without a name or phone number.