A fisherman’s good eye led to the arrest of two men recently for their alleged involvement in at least 34 burglaries. According to a press release from Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Kurtis Michael Gunkel, 41, Warsaw, and Eric Warren Swick, 35, Macy, were arrested and charged with felony burglary and theft after a month-long investigation. KCSD deputies stated that the case was “broken-open” by a citizen that happened to be fishing and observed what appeared to be a burglary in progress. The anonymous citizen was able to provide officers with photos from his cellular phone, which eventually led officers to Gunkel and Swick. During the course of the investigation, deputies were able to locate numerous items that had been stolen from local residents, including, but not limited to, televisions, power tools, electronics, power washers, hand tools, chain saws, air compressors, generators, battery charges, fishing equipment and other various items. The thefts and burglaries occurred in the town of North Webster, as well as in the Barbee Lake and Shoe Lake areas. Officers estimated that over $20,000 worth of items were stolen since the beginning of April when KCSD reports were first received. Detectives stated that all potential victims have been contacted regarding the subsequent arrest and items recovered. Gunkel is being held on a $15,500 bond in the Kosciusko County Jail, while Swick is being held on a $20,500 bond. KCSD deputies were also assisted in the investigation by officers from the North Webster Police Department.
