Libby Police Sergeant Terry Watson followed two sets of footprints in the snow at about 4 a.m. on Christmas Eve morning that roamed between vehicles in Libby. As he continued to follow the tracks, Watson was led to Travis Hoyt and Skyler Mason.

Watson found the men in possession of an electric griddle allegedly taken from a vehicle on Minnesota Avenue.

As a result of what Chief of Police Jim Smith called “proactive police work”, Hoyt and Mason have been charged with theft and criminal trespass to vehicles.

The two men made an appearance in front of City Judge Lucille Briggs on Jan. 5 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. An omnibus hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 5.

On the morning of Christmas Eve, the Libby Police Department received numerous calls from people reporting items taken from their vehicles. As a result of Watson’s work, recovered items were returned to those victims.

Libby citizens have endured a spate of thefts from vehicles going back several months. Most of the thefts are crimes of convenience with unlocked cars and unsecured items being targeted. The thefts have gone unabated, but law enforcement may be close to resolving some of the crimes.   

Smith said, “There’s an ongoing investigation still being conducted. Two other possible suspects are being investigated by the department.”

Lincoln County sheriffs are also scrutinizing a few people of interest in thefts from vehicles and burglaries from buildings.

Smith said, “We’re hoping more charges will be coming down soon, we’re still putting those cases together.”

Officers are gathering as much evidence as possible to ensure there’s enough information for successful prosecution, Smith said.