OFFICER STOPS FOR GAS; CAR STOLEN

11/23/99
CANTON, OH - A police officer stopped for gas after his swing shift
and while he was paying the cashier, two young men decided to steal
the refueled, idling police cruiser. 

Saturday around 2 a.m., Officer Kevin Mckinley, 34, stopped at a gas 
station after his shift. He left his cruiser - which contained his
uniform and service gun - idling and unlocked.

Jason R. Yerger, 21, and David M. Phillips were apprehended later 
that day after police, acting on an anonymous tip, searched Yerger's
apartment and recovered the officer's handgun, uniform, ID and
badge. The cruiser, which was undamaged, was located near East
Sparta.

Police charged Yerger and Phillips with theft and grand theft. Yerger
was being held in the Stark County Jail on $10,000 bond and Phillips
was released on a $10,000 bond.

The department is investigating the incident and believes McKinley will 
be disciplined in some way, according to Capt Tom Tomlinson, acting chief.

Backup news staff writer Holly Cooley


http://www.thebackup.com/newsdetail.asp?id=2792 

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