PRESS RELEASE
Carthage Police Department
Case #: 26-0402
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 19, 2026
On February 19, 2026, at approximately 2:48 a.m., an officer was conducting directed patrols in the 200 block of West Fir Road, due to a rash of commercial burglaries in the area over the last few months. The officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a business in that same block.
Upon further investigation, the officer discovered the front of the business had been forcibly damaged and observed a masked individual inside actively burglarizing the business.
When the officer attempted to make contact, the suspect fled on foot. The officer pursued the suspect on foot for approximately one-half mile before the officer successfully took the suspect into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as a juvenile and was transported to the Jasper County Juvenile Office for holding.
Further investigation revealed the suspect had stolen a vehicle from a private residence earlier that same night and used the vehicle to force entry into the business.
The juvenile is the primary suspect in six additional recent commercial burglaries that have occurred within the city. The juvenile will be referred on multiple felony allegations, including burglary, property damage, stealing, tampering with a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. These charges will be sent through the Jasper County Juvenile Office for consideration of charges.
Officer Hettinger’s alertness, initiative, and persistence were instrumental in bringing this incident to a safe and swift resolution.
This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time.
Media Contact:
Lt. Aaron Kmick
Carthage Police Department
Phone: 417-237-7200