Canton, Kansas – Authorities in McPherson County, Kansas, are investigating a brazen overnight robbery at the Main Street Bar & Grill in Canton, carried out by two individuals who descended into the establishment through the ceiling. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of , has left local business owners shaken and prompted a call for public assistance in identifying the perpetrators.
According to the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects gained entry to the bar by climbing onto a wall behind the building, accessing the roof, and then creating an opening in the ceiling. Surveillance footage released by the Main Street Bar & Grill shows the two individuals, both wearing dark coats, jeans, and face coverings, rappelling into the bar. One suspect is visible with a tattoo on their lower back.
“I’ll tell you, it was shocking, really to watch,” said Keith Everhart, owner of the Main Street Bar & Grill, describing his reaction to the footage. The suspects proceeded to break into gaming machines and steal two bottles of liquor, completing their operation within approximately fifteen minutes.
The exact financial loss remains under investigation, but Everhart estimates damage to the gaming machines to be in excess of $10,000. “I’m guessing there’s probably, I’d say over 10,000 in the machines,” he stated.
The incident has resonated beyond the immediate financial impact, raising concerns among other small business owners in the area. Deanna Rich, who operates Dees Merchandise LLC across the street from the bar, expressed her frustration. “It makes me angry because, as small businesses, we have a hard time already,” she said.
Law enforcement responded swiftly to the incident. The McPherson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Salina Police Department, was able to identify and apprehend one of the suspects on . The arrest took place in Marquette, Kansas, following a tip-off. The suspect is currently being held in the McPherson County Jail pending charges.
“About , the suspect was taken into custody without incident,” the Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement. Authorities are now focusing their efforts on identifying the second individual involved in the robbery.
The unusual method of entry has drawn attention to the vulnerability of small-town businesses. While the perpetrators demonstrated a degree of planning and audacity, the incident underscores the challenges faced by rural law enforcement in securing commercial properties. The suspects’ apparent ease of access, bypassing traditional security measures like doors and windows, highlights the need for businesses to reassess their security protocols.
The McPherson County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the second suspect to contact McPherson County Crime Stoppers at 620-241-1122. Reference case number 26-0087 when submitting tips. The investigation remains ongoing.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing concerns about property crime in rural areas. While large-scale, organized crime often dominates headlines, smaller businesses frequently face the brunt of opportunistic thefts and vandalism. The Main Street Bar & Grill robbery serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and community cooperation in safeguarding local economies.
The arrest of one suspect offers a measure of reassurance to the Canton community, but the search for the second individual continues. The incident has prompted a renewed focus on security measures and a call for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
