Union County law enforcement officials are asking for the community’s help locating a group of suspected burglars.
Sheriff Jamie Patton has asked residents in southern Union County to be on the lookout for a group of men, wearing dark clothes. He acknowledged that the description is incomplete, but explained that the matter is still under investigation.
He said that about 8:50 a.m. today, a man went to check on a property in the 16000 block of Middleburg-Plain City Road. When the man arrived, he saw several open doors.
“When he was closing the doors, someone ran out of the house,” Patton said.
The man called 911 and reported the matter. Initially he said there was just one individual, but as he was talking, saw several others run from the house and across an open field. He was unable to give an exact count on the number of men running from the home. He said they were all males, wearing dark colored clothes. The sheriff said it is unknown if the men
Patton said the area is still being secured and investigators are on the scene.
“We don’t know if there was any forced entry or anything taken,” Patton said.
He said the Plain City Police Department is also assisting.
Patton said deputies and police officers are in the area looking for the men, but he is asking the public to also be looking. He said residents know the area better than police and know what looks out of place.
“We need people, if they see something suspicious, to give us a call,” Patton said.
Those with information are asked to call (937) 645-4110.
As of press time, officials are not saying if the incident is related to a burglary at a gun store in the 9500 block of state Route 161 in Plain City. According to reports, on Thursday evening a vehicle rammed into the gun store. According to reports, once inside, five men allegedly stole a variety of guns. Madison County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation.