SEYMOUR — A unique sequence of events involving a proactive traffic stop and a delayed crime report has led to the arrest of four individuals in connection with a residential burglary in Seymour.
The investigation began Saturday when the Seymour Police Department (SPD) responded to a report of a residential burglary. After compiling a list of stolen items from the victim, investigators realized they had already encountered the evidence hours before the crime was even reported.
According to the SPD, night-shift officers had conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle prior to the burglary being reported. During that stop, officers observed several items inside the vehicle—some of which contained the specific name and address of the victim.
However, because the burglary had not yet been entered into the police system, the occupants of the vehicle were released at that time.
Once the connection was made the following day, police moved quickly to track down the vehicle and its occupants.
“Occupants from the traffic stop were located and provided information about the location of the stolen property,” the Seymour Police Department stated. Based on those interviews, officers developed probable cause to obtain multiple search warrants for several residences.
With assistance from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, police executed the warrants and recovered numerous stolen items associated with the weekend break-in.
Four individuals were taken into custody. Andrew Schlehuser, 31, of Seymour, and Thomas Brooks, 56, of Seymour, are facing charges of burglary and possession of stolen property. Brooks is also facing a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jessica Engle, 37, of Seymour, and Freddie Chambers, 37, of Austin, are facing charges of possession of stolen property.
All four suspects were transported to the Jackson County Jail.
Police noted that the collaboration between night-shift and day-shift officers was instrumental in the swift recovery of the victim’s property.
