On July 27, 2011, at approximately 3:43 AM, officers with the Benton Police Department responded to 3021 Shelby Drive on report of a possible burglary.  Upon their arrival they made contact with a neighbor who said he observed some suspicious subjects in the area. 

    Officers began searching the area for the suspicious subjects, and with the help of the original complainant, they located them.  The two suspects were identified as Cody West (W/M, 18 YOA) and a juvenile accomplice.  It was determined they broke into a vehicle parked in the driveway at 3021 Shelby Drive and then tried to flee the area when they were observed by the neighbor. 

    West was charged with Breaking or Entering in this case, and the juvenile suspect was charged with Breaking or Entering, Theft of Property, and a curfew violation.  West was transported to the Saline County Detention Facility and juvenile was turned over to juvenile officers. 

    This incident strongly reinforces the value of having a neighborhood watch program in effect.  Through the use of the neighborhood watch it provides extra sets of eyes that can alert the police department to anything out of the ordinary or suspicious, much like what happened in this incident.  

    Detectives are actively reviewing other recent cases to determine whether these suspects may also be responsible, and more charges might be forthcoming.  Anyone with information regarding this incident or for more information regarding the neighborhood watch program please call the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 or 776-5948.