Tells police he was looking for fishing spot, frog legs

A Sallisaw man is facing multiple charges after he reportedly entered a building belonging to Tractor Supply and cut a fence with the intent to commit theft.

Matthew C. Risenhoover, 27, was charged Sept. 7 in Sequoyah County District Court and received an $11,500 bond. He is now scheduled for a Sept. 14 arraignment before Associate District Judge Kyle Waters.

Risenhoover is charged with a felony count of burglary in the second degree and criminal misdemeanor counts of knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property, possession of controlled dangerous substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court records.

Sallisaw Police officer Caleb Dotson reported at 10:35 p.m. on Aug. 28 he was patrolling around the area of South McGee and Fryar Drive when he saw the silhouette of a vehicle in the alleyway behind Tractor Supply. When he turned in its direction the driver turned his headlights on and started driving toward McGee St. past the officer.

Dotson reported the vehicle did not have an operating tag light so he initiated a traffic stop, where he noticed several rolls of new fencing wire and a fence panel in the back of the truck that looked like the items stored in the outdoor fenced area of Tractor Supply.

Dotson asked for Risenhoover’s driver’s license and insurance which Risenhoover said he didn’t have in his possession, so his information was called in to dispatch for them to confirm.

When the officer asked what he was doing behind Tractor Supply, Risenhoover claimed he was checking on some fishing spots but Dotson said he had no fishing poles or fishing gear. While waiting on dispatch to confirm Risenhoover’s information, Dotson radioed Lt. Cody Biles and asked him to go to Tractor Supply and check the fence for any forced entry. Dotson asked Risenhoover once again what he was doing behind the business and Risenhoover told him he was catching frogs at the strip pits behind Tractor Supply.

Biles told Dotson the fence had been cut and then joined him on the traffic stop. The officers walked around the truck to view the contents and saw a tool bag in the front seat, along with different battery operated tools. Risenhoover told Biles he was catching frogs because he eats the legs and Biles questioned him as to why he didn’t have a net or frog gig to catch them with. When Biles asked for consent to search the truck, Risenhoover told him no and a K-9 was brought to the scene by Sequoyah County Sheriff’s deputy Steven Jenkins for a free air sniff.

While Biles made contact with the manager to come to the store, the K-9 reportedly alerted to the driver’s side door, giving the officers probable cause to search the truck.

Police asked Risenhoover if he had receipts for the merchandise and he told them he’d purchased it about five days ago and didn’t have the receipts with him. Authorities then removed the tags from the merchandise and Capt. Hutchinson took them to the store manager. The UPC codes were scanned and the store manager was able to determine the items had not been sold within the time frame given and the items had been stored in the outdoor fenced area.

Police also found other items out of place, including a kayak that looked like someone had tried to take it over the fence but was unsuccessful. The fence panel found in the back of Risenhoover’s truck was also reportedly sold in pairs and matched one that was found inside the fenced area.

Officers reported finding marijuana, a grinder, a tool bag with battery powered tools, and an angle grinder which police believe Risenhoover used to gain entry through the fence, according to the affidavit.

Risenhoover was arrested and taken to the Sallisaw Police Department where it was discovered he had two previous burglary charges and convictions, one of which was still deferred.

Tractor Supply employees also told authorities they found additional signs of forced entry, which included a cut padlock from another entrance.

Burglary in the second degree is punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, according to District Attorney Jack Thorp.

SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES 111 N. Oak  Sallisaw OK  74955

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