Stolen pickup recovered in Purcell uncovers multicounty burglary ring

By Matt Dinger, Staff Writer

PURCELL — A stolen pickup found at a Purcell home has led to the arrests of three people, and a dozen more arrests are expected in a burglary ring that could span several counties, authorities said.

Law enforcement officials declined to release the identities of those arrested, saying doing so could jeopardize the continuing investigation.

McClain County sheriff’s office detective Dana Guthrie said that late last month, law officers learned there may be firearms in a Purcell home where the stolen pickup was found, and three search warrants were served.

In addition to 15 firearms, officers recovered computers, hunting equipment, cellphones and other items, Guthrie said.

Warrants also have been served in rural McClain County and the town of Bradley in Grady County, he said.

Twelve other people have been implicated in the burglary ring.

“Some may or may not be actively involved, but I can tell you firearms are passing through their hands,” Guthrie said.

Law officers from Garvin County and Norman also are involved in the investigation, he said.