Man wanted for murder arrested in Wheaton
Charlea Mills
A 25 year-old man was arrested in Wheaton on Friday for his alleged involvement in the murder of Pittsburg State University student on October 9, 2014.
According to a press release by the Pittsburg, Kan., Police Department, Juan Salas-Rueda, formerly of Pittsburg, was arrested by the Wheaton Police Department for a warrant issued through Crawford County, Kansas Attorney’s Office. Salas-Rueda is the fourth person to be arrested in connection with the murder of Taylor Thomas, 20, in his home by a gunshot wound. According to information released by detectives and the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the burglary was related to marijuana in the home that was owned by Thomas’ roommate.
It is believed that Salas-Rueda helped another suspect, Bryan Levi Bridges, 20, avoid capture. There is a $10,000 reward out for information that leads to Bridges’ arrest. It is unknown at this time what Salas-Rueda was doing in Wheaton or what his ties are to the area. Wheaton Police Chief Clint Clark said he was unable to make a comment regarding the arrest at this time because it is an ongoing investigation.
Salas-Rueda is currently being held in the Crawford County, Kan., jail in lieu of a $2,000,000 bond on charges of murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and obstructing apprehension or prosecution.
If anyone in the Barry County area has any additional information, contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700. Tips can remain anonymous.
A 25 year-old man was arrested in Wheaton on Friday for his alleged involvement in the murder of Pittsburg State University student on October 9, 2014.
According to a press release by the Pittsburg, Kan., Police Department, Juan Salas-Rueda, formerly of Pittsburg, was arrested by the Wheaton Police Department for a warrant issued through Crawford County, Kansas Attorney’s Office. Salas-Rueda is the fourth person to be arrested in connection with the murder of Taylor Thomas, 20, in his home by a gunshot wound. According to information released by detectives and the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the burglary was related to marijuana in the home that was owned by Thomas’ roommate.
It is believed that Salas-Rueda helped another suspect, Bryan Levi Bridges, 20, avoid capture. There is a $10,000 reward out for information that leads to Bridges’ arrest. It is unknown at this time what Salas-Rueda was doing in Wheaton or what his ties are to the area. Wheaton Police Chief Clint Clark said he was unable to make a comment regarding the arrest at this time because it is an ongoing investigation.
Salas-Rueda is currently being held in the Crawford County, Kan., jail in lieu of a $2,000,000 bond on charges of murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and obstructing apprehension or prosecution.
If anyone in the Barry County area has any additional information, contact the Pittsburg Police Department at (620) 231-1700. Tips can remain anonymous.
