A break-in at Cerv’s convenience store early Sunday was quickly solved, according to Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark. A suspect was arrested within the hour.

Haulmark released the following information on Tuesday: 

On Dec. 31 at about 1:16 a.m., officers of the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to Cerv’s at 1000 Main Street, in reference an alarm. Officers found a broken glass door on the side of the building. They entered the building to check for suspects or anyone needing help.

Officers did not find anyone inside the building but found evidence of a burglary, theft and criminal damage to property. Officers on scene advised the other officers to check the area for suspects and they also advised them of the stolen items to help locate the suspect, including cartons of cigarettes and other miscellaneous items. 

One officer located John Arthur DeBeau, age 30, walking a few blocks from the burglary and contacted him. The officer reportedly found the stolen items from Cerv’s on DeBeau’s person. He was arrested and booked at Barton County Jail for burglary and criminal damage to property, with a $20,000 bond. 

Anyone with information in reference to this case or any other case is asked to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.