Dickinson County investigates Marion residents for gas theft

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

When Dickinson County deputies caught two suspects allegedly stealing gasoline from tanks of cars at Simmons Towing and Auto Repair in Herington, they were quick to come to Marion with a search warrant.

Two thieves were captured on video stealing gas between Sept. 1 and Saturday. The third time, deputies arrived in time to catch the alleged thieves in action.

“Our deputies were investigating the thefts and were on the scene that night and caught them in the act,” Sheriff Jerry Davis said. “They were detained and questioned.”

Davis said the thefts remained under investigation and a report had not yet been sent to the county attorney.

A call reporting the thefts came to his office at 1:34 a.m. Saturday.

Although Davis declined to identify the suspects, a search warrant was taken to a residence in the 400 block of S. 4th St. in Marion.

The only occupied residence on that block is the home of Justin Loomis and Ashley Loomis.

Justin Loomis has been charged in Marion County two times with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, the most recent case filed Jan. 7. Both cases are pending. He also was charged with forgery for writing a bad check and burglary of a residence.

Ashley Loomis has been charged with burglary of a storage unit, theft, and criminal damage to property in what was categorized in court records as a drug offense.

In a second case filed as a drug offense, Ashley Loomis is charged with burglary, aggravated battery and criminal damage to property.

Both cases remain pending.

Thefts of gasoline and other items in the vicinity of the 400 block of S. 4th have become so common in recent months that neighbors have complained it has done no good to report them.

The Loomis residence is powered by a generator.