Burglary Suspects Arrested Attempting To Steal Copper Wire in Long Lane

On 08/31/2023, at approximately 0531 hours, Deputy Stewart and Chief Deputy Garner were dispatched to the old Richardson gas station in Long Lane in reference to an active Burglary. While en route to the location, dispatch stated the reporting party was following the suspects as they left the building and were traveling into Laclede County. Shortly after, the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office had the subjects stopped and in custody.

Deputies spoke to the building owner who stated multiple copper wires were torn from the ceiling and walls. The owner of the building advised the doors and windows were locked and secured before the incident took place. He later filled out a statement form. In the form, he stated the estimated value of damage and wire was about $5,000. After searching the outside area of the store, Deputies located a large blue tub containing multiple large amounts of copper wire and copper piping that was cut from within the building along with wire cutters.

The suspects, Ladonna Sue Barker and her boyfriend, Jason Arnold Guehrer stated they were behind the building making out. Chief Deputy Garner asked how the blue tub of copper wire got out of the building and they stated they didn’t know.

Deputies collected Ladonna Barker’s shoe and compared the shoe to the footprint on the door and backroom kitchen. The shoes and footprints appeared to be an identical match.

Both suspects were arrested and transported to the Dallas County Jail and remain in custody.  Anyone with information on criminal activity that Jason and Ladonna have been involved in is asked to contact the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office at 417-345-2441.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.