Pana Police have arrested two people who stole from the Pana Walmart on Monday and would like to say thanks to the public for tips to help them make the arrests. Officers from the Taylorville Police Department and the Christian County’s Sheriff Office located and arrested 31-year-old Lonnie Wilkerson and 24-year-old Gary Hayes Jr. on August 30 at 10:43 p.m.
Law enforcement received tips and information on where there possible whereabouts could be after the two individuals stole numerous items from the Pana Walmart. Authorities say they followed up on information and found the two brothers at their apartment on Grand Boulevard, as the two had just recently moved from Texas.
Police were able to recover stolen merchandise from the store and other evidence inside the apartment and both men were taken to the Pana Police Department. Upon further investigation, both men were processed on the charge of Felony Retail Theft of Over $300, as well as using an emergency exit while committing the crime, which is a Class 2 Felony. They were both taken to Christian County Correctional Center in lieu of bond. This case remains under investigation.
The Pana Police Department is extending their thanks to the Taylorville Police Department and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation, along with the media for their support and the general public who expressed “tremendous interest in assisting law enforcement hold those involved in this crime accountable for their criminal actions.”