AUGUST 3, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE #19-0803
CONTACT: SHERIFF TIM MORSE 785-364-2251
Chelsea Ray
Eric Fernandez
Two Topekans arrested for burglary following manhunt
Two suspects believed to have been responsible for a burglary south of Mayetta have been captured this 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 the female suspect 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 this afternoon the male suspect was taken into custody by deputies not far from where the female was apprehended. Eric Christopher Fernandez, 30, of Topeka and Chelsea Nichol Ray, 25, of Topeka was arrested by deputies. The Holton Police Department and Hoyt Police Department also assisted with the incident. 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 on the two at this time.