Burglary suspects in custody after manhunt Saturday

Two suspects believed to have been responsible for a burglary south of Mayetta were captured Saturday afternoon by authorities.

Friday evening, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of two individuals believed to be taking property from a residence in the 13000 block of S. Road which is between Mayetta and Hoyt.

Neighbors approached the suspects who fled in a silver SUV which later became stuck on private property. The vehicle was impounded by law enforcement Friday night.

A manhunt ensued for the suspects by law enforcement. A variety of law enforcement agencies assisted the Sheriff’s Office in the search. The search extended into the late night hours.

Saturday afternoon, a citizen reported seeing the duo, and deputies captured 25-year-old Chelsea Nichol Ray east of US Hwy 75 on 134th Road. A KHP aircraft unit assisted in the search as well as additional K-9s from KHP, Topeka Police and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office.

Early Saturday afternoon 30-year-old Eric Christopher Fernandez was taken into custody by deputies not far from where Ray was caught.

Both suspects are being held in the Jackson County Jail where Fernandez faces burglary, trespassing, felony obstruction and theft charges. Ray is being held on burglary, trespassing, and felony obstruction charges.

Bond is pending.