Local news in short

Rash of vehicles broken into near Sierra Road

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a rash of vehicle breakins in the area of Sierra Road.

According to Sheriff Cheryl Liedle, vehicles on Sierra and Sahara roads, Shannon Court, Silverwood Loop and Flathead Drive were entered on the night of April 9, or the early morning hours of April 10.

A number of items were stolen from the vehicles, including a Dell laptop computer and a portable DVD player.

Liedle said the majority of the vehicles were left unlocked.

So she advises area residents to lock their vehicles, and make sure they don't leave any items of value in their cars.

Anyone with any information about these thefts is asked to call Crimestoppers at 443-2000.

Lincoln man arrested for theft of .22 rifle

A Lincoln resident was arrested Monday for the theft of a .22-caliber rifle.

According to Sheriff Cheryl Liedle, a resident in the Lincoln Gulch area noticed a vehicle leaving his home at about 4 a.m. He soon realized that his rifle was missing from his garage.

The resident provided a description of the vehicle to deputies, and they later located it at Hooper Park. Liedle said investigators matched tire tread marks left in the dirt at the Lincoln Gulch residence with the tires on the suspect's vehicle.

Eighteen-year-old Carl P. Willey was picked up at that time for theft and trespassing.

-- Carolynn Bright,

IR Staff Writer