Man who assisted investigators at burglary scene later arrested

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A man from Melbourne has been arrested for the theft of a Can Am side-by-side from a work site in Baxter County last year. The man, 59-year-old Everett Wayne Galloway, actually assisted investigators at the scene as they looked into the theft.

According to the probable cause affidavit in the case, the theft of the vehicle occurred in March of 2022 at a house where a construction crew was working. The side-by-side was kept in a locked garage with the keys kept in a drawer inside the home. An investigator from the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office interviewed all three workers, including Galloway, at the scene. Galloway allegedly stood with the investigator and assisted in the investigation as they discussed the tire tracks left behind from where the vehicle was stolen.

Other items were also stolen including two chainsaws and lawn tools.

In June of last year, Stone County deputies contacted Baxter County investigators saying they had recovered the side-by-side and some of the other stolen items from Galloway’s residence. Approximately 400 miles had been put on the side-by-side since it had been reported stolen and there was significant damage to the unit.

When investigators asked Galloway how he came to be in possession of the vehicle, he said he bought it from someone named “Chief” for $1,000. The side-by-side is valued at just under $19,000. Galloway could not provide a name or phone number for “Chief” and later said he spoke to him in person. He then told investigators he had walked 20 miles to “Chief’s” house to get the vehicle but could not remember where he lived.

Galloway is charged with felony counts of residential burglary and theft of property. His bond is set at $35,000.

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