Man spotted with sawzall near church van, two arrested

RIVERTON, Kan. — Monday just after 5:00 p.m., Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputies were alerted to suspicious activity near a Riverton church.

A nearby resident stated they spotted a man wearing a mask, approach a church van while carrying a sawzall. Upon realizing he had been noticed, the man got back into a car driven by a woman and the two fled the area.

Deputies located the vehicle north of Riverton and conducted a traffic stop.

Cherokee County Sheriff Groves states, “during the stop, deputies located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, brass knuckles, and tools commonly used to commit thefts of catalytic convertors.  In addition, deputies discovered property in the vehicle which had been previously reported stolen.”

The pair were arrested at the scene. Zachary Davenport, 35, listed as homeless, and Leah Anne Isbell, 39, of Galena.

Davenport has a Felony arrest warrant out of Jasper County, Mo.:

  • Felony Damage to Property
  • Attempted Theft
  • Criminal Carrying of a Weapon
  • Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Isbell was being held on allegations of attempted theft in Cherokee County, she was released late Tuesday evening.

This is an excellent example of the success gained when law enforcement works hand in hand with the community.  Thanks to an alert resident who reported suspicious activity, these two suspected thieves are now in custody,” stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

This is a developing story, stay with Joplin News First on KOAM News Now as we continue to learn more.

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