Two more arrests in Columbia burglaries

On Friday, the Columbia Police Department announced two more arrests stemming from the rash of vehicle and home break-ins that occurred shortly after Christmas.

Police began investigating reports of 21 vehicle break-ins and three residential burglaries in town on Dec. 26.

Earlier this week, police said Tyler W. Ashcraft, 18, of Caseyville, has been charged with several counts of burglary in the case. He is currently in custody in the Madison County Jail in Edwardsville. Another suspect in the case is a juvenile from Collinsville, who police are still looking for.

Kerry Gum

Now, two more young men have been charged: Kerry M. Gum, 19, and Zachary S. Wood, both of Caseyville.

Zachary Wood

Gum has been charged with one count of residential burglary and four counts of burglary from a motor vehicle. Gum is in custody at the Monroe County Jail in Waterloo and his bond has been set at $25,000.

Wood has been charged with two counts of residential burglary and 15 counts of burglary from a motor vehicle. Wood is in custody at the St. Clair County Jail in Belleville and his bond has been set at $25,000.

“We continue to actively search for the juvenile from Collinsville who is currently wanted on a warrant for 21 counts of burglary from motor vehicle and three counts of residential burglary,” Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards said.

An unrelated residential break-in was reported Tuesday in the 1800 block of Clover Ridge, located in the southern edge of Columbia. Police are investigating the case.

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Corey Saathoff

Corey is the editor of the Republic-Times. He has worked at the newspaper since 2004, and currently resides in Columbia. He is also the principal singer-songwriter and plays guitar in St. Louis area country-rock band The Trophy Mules.
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