Tribune staff reports

Two Scott County men have been tied to the theft of more than $6,000 in electronics during the past month from Walmart Supercenter in Seymour.

Brandon Howard, 24, and Joseph E. Dowling, 43, both of Austin, were arrested on theft charges Monday night after a traffic stop on the city’s east side, Seymour police report.

That stop occurred at about 9:20 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a theft that had just occurred at the store at 1600 E. Tipton St.

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Officers were told the two men, who were suspects in the theft, had gotten into a green minivan and were eastbound on Tipton Street toward Interstate 65.

Cpl. Devin Cornwell, who was in the area, stopped the van driven by Howard as he attempted to flee the city south on the interstate.

During the investigation, officers were told Howard had been arrested at the store for theft in the past and also was previously warned for criminal trespassing on the property, Cornwell said. Howard’s driver’s license also was suspended.

Walmart loss prevention officials told police they believe the two men are responsible for the thefts of more than $6,000 in electronics over the last month, Cornwell said.

Besides the theft charge, Howard faces a preliminary charges of criminal trespassing. Additional theft charges also are possible from the previous thefts from the store, Cornwell said.

Lt. John Watson, Sgt. Mike Cooper and officers Mike Payne and Devlin McMindes also were involved in the investigation and arrests.

The items stolen Monday were recovered and returned to the store, Cornwell said.