By Ace Grado / Staff Writer

A Missouri Valley College maintenance building was broken into in mid-September, leading to multiple felony charges against a Marshall man.

According to a report from MVC Public Safety, the break-in occurred around 1 a.m. on Sept. 16 at the maintenance building located at 1264 S. Odell Avenue. The building, which stores tools and vehicles used by the college’s maintenance department, was entered through the east door.

Witnesses told officers that the suspect, later identified as 46-year-old Matthew Coke, remained inside the building for about 30 to 35 minutes. During that time, a server switch valued at $806 was damaged and several items were stolen including a MIZ MCM cable cutter worth $599, an M18 Knockout Kit valued at $2,299 and an M18 propane heater worth $150.

Security footage later obtained by Public Safety showed a white male entering the building shortly before 1 a.m. Based on prior law enforcement contact, officers identified the suspect as Coke.

On Nov. 2, officers from the Marshall Police Department made contact with Coke at a residence on South Ellsworth Avenue. According to the report Coke resisted arrest by attempting to pull away and push officers’ hands off his arm. He was apprehended following a short struggle with several officers.

Coke faces four felony charges from the Saline County Prosecutor’s Office: second-degree burglary, theft of property worth $750 or more, first-degree property damage, and resisting arrest. Court documents indicate that Coke has several previous felony convictions, including burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm and assault.

A warrant for Coke’s arrest was issued with a bond amount of $15,000 cash only. The warrant states that the conditions of release are set forth on a bond supervision order entered the same date and provided to the Saline County Sheriff.

Officials at Missouri Valley College stated they are working with law enforcement and supporting the investigation. The college announced that the maintenance building repairs are finished and services have returned to normal. Coke remains in police custody awaiting legal proceedings.