Trio with Burglary Tools, Stolen Items, and Drugs Arrested by Horseshoe Bend Patrol

SUNRISE BEACH, MO. (The Lake Tribune) On the night of November 28, a deputy was alerted to suspicious activity around a lake home in the Porta Cima area. A homeowner, alerted by their home surveillance system, reported an unknown individual carrying a gas can on their property. Despite an immediate response, the deputy could not locate the suspects or their vehicle.

The following morning, a similar report emerged involving multiple individuals with flashlights around a house. Deputies located a vehicle matching the suspect description and detained three individuals: Dustin R. Matthews, Kyle R. Schutten, and Heather L. Owens, all from Springfield, MO.

A search led to the discovery of 11.5 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, burglary tools, a hockey mask, a two-way radio, numerous keys, a gas can, and a tablet displaying local dispatch radio traffic. Additionally, authorities found multiple credit and debit cards, social security cards, a driver’s license, and a checkbook, none of which belonged to the suspects.

Heather L. Owens faces charges of drug possession and receiving stolen property, with a bond set at $25,000. Dustin R. Matthews is charged with possessing burglary tools and driving with a suspended license, his bond is $75,000. Kyle R. Schutten faces similar drug and burglary tool possession charges, with his bond at $100,000.

Deputies are currently identifying the rightful owners of the seized items to return them. As always, these charges are allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.