Two May Be Linked To Levi’s Thefts

Two men who may be linked to a string of Levi’s jeans burglaries in Idaho and Utah have been arrested after a chase in Burley.

Officers recovered $1,600 in clothes stolen from J.C. Penney Co. early Friday.

It is the third time in the past four months the store has been hit by burglars intent on the popular denim wear, which is likely sold for profit.

Officers discovered the pants in two sleeping bags in a pickup, which the suspects abandoned after a chase to the Burley Inn, the report said.

Police reported finding Sonny D. Carter, 37, hiding in a nearby grain field. James Lyle Kuehn, 38, climbed out of a drainage ditch, giving himself up after a bloodhound search began.

The two were charged with burglary. Carter, allegedly driving the pickup, also was charged with felony eluding police, according to the report.

During each Penney’s burglary, thieves have smashed a store window and stolen jeans. Two weeks ago, they got away with $1,710 worth, and in April grabbed $2,400.