Newscope/Sheriff's deputies investigate a variety of incidents

Saline County Sheriff's Deputies were busy with a variety of incidents over the weekend, beginning with an arson investigation Saturday morning, Nov. 17, around 7 a.m. at the southeast corner of County Road 401 where it intersects tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad near Grand Pass.

According to the report, four railroad ties were ignited with a homemade Molotov cocktail-like device involving a Mason jar and gasoline.

A Union Pacific official estimated the damage to the four ties at about $220.

There are no suspects at this time.

Deputies also investigated a complaint of property damage at the home of Jackie L. Dillon, 58, of rural Sweet Springs.

Dillon reported his mailbox post had been knocked down and the mailbox flattened during the night of Nov. 16.

According to the Sheriff's report, Dillon said he had not seen or heard anything during the night, but had discovered the damage in the morning.

Sheriff's deputies also investigated a complaint of trespassing at the farm of Terry E. Jenkins, 45, of rural Saline County.

Jenkins reported he observed a white male, unknown to him, in the vicinity of his barn early Saturday afternoon, Nov. 17. According to the Sheriff's report, Jenkins said nothing was stolen, but that he reported the incident because of earlier thefts on his property.

A Marshall man was briefly taken into custody on Saturday evening, Nov. 17, on suspicion of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia found in his car during a routine traffic stop on Highway 240 near the intersection of County Road 136.

While in custody, the man also admitted to smoking marijuana in the car, according to the Sheriff's report. After processing, he was released pending review by the Prosecuting Attorney's office.

On Sunday evening, Nov. 18, a Gilliam man was questioned by a Saline County Sheriff's Department deputy and a conservation agent regarding hunting violations.

According to the Sheriff's report, the man's driver's license, previously suspended for failure to appear in court, was seized during the questioning.

An investigation into possible probation and parole violations is also being pursued.