Greene County deputies recover stolen vehicle, save life of suspected thief having drug overdose

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Deputies recovered a stolen vehicle, solved a burglary, saved a thief’s life and arrested him all in the same incident.

At about 0640 deputies responded to 3170 W Greenwood, after the apartment manager reported a vehicle abandoned between that building and a tree line. The manager provided a description of a male walking north and east through the complex, away from the vehicle. The vehicle, a 2004 Dodge pickup truck with Texas license plates was reported stolen, out Springfield. Deputies processed the stolen vehicle and located some drug paraphernalia inside of it.

At 0859, deputies were summoned back to 3110 W Greenwood, as a male fitting the description, provided by the manager, was seen running from the area that the truck had been left. Deputy Zacek-Smith was the first to arrive, and observed the man running south from 3110. He cautiously followed and gave direction to other responding deputies. While doing so, he believed the male forced entry into an apartment on the ground floor. Management on site verified that unit had no tenant. Deputies procured a key, Deputies Boone, and Winchell entered. While clearing the apartment, they located the alleged suspect, curled into the fetal position, hiding under a pile of clothing and debris in the only bedroom.

After securing him in handcuffs, deputies patted him down, and located the ignition key to a Dodge in his pocket. Deputies also noticed he was not moving, or breathing well and suffering from symptoms associated with drug overdose. Deputies immediately began lifesaving measures while requesting medical attention. Upon their arrival, he was transported to the hospital. The suspect was identified as Lucas McKenna. While at the hospital he was found to be in possession of a quantity of controlled substances, suspected to be methamphetamine. He was treated at the hospital and released into our custody. Deputies submitted charges for 2nd Deg Burglary, 1st Deg Tampering 1st, Stealing, Resisting Arrest, and Drug charges.

Without attentive citizens, and Deputies Zacek-Smith, Boone and Winchell this incident could have proven fatal for the suspect but in the end they recovered a vehicle, arrested a suspect, and saved a life. #teamwork Live PD on A&E

A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.