BLAND — Two area men wanted on outstanding Gasconade County arrest warrants,  Steven Vinson and William Wyrick, were taken into custody Friday during execution of a search warrant in the 100 block of East Missouri Avenue in Bland.

Gasconade County Sheriff’s deputies and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group (LANEG) obtained the warrant based on information gathered by deputies investigating an 1:39 a.m. burglary in the 3700 block of Route A near Bland. Deputies observed what was believed to be stolen property in plain sight inside a vehicle parked at the Bland residence, according to Sheriff John Romanus.

Deputies and LANEG officers recovered items allegedly stolen on Route A including tires, wheels, jewelry, electronics, and yard tools. Officers also located a loaded handgun, along with items of drug paraphernalia commonly used for the consumption of methamphetamine.

Vinson, 23, of Bland, was wanted on a Division of Probation and Parole warrant for an original charge of resisting arrest. He was also arrested on suspicion of escape from custody, second-degree burglary, felony stealing, and unlawful use of a weapon for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Wyrick, 27, of Owensville, was arrested on a P&P warrant for being an absconder. He was also arrested on suspicion of burglary (second degree), felony stealing, and unlawful use of a weapon for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Both Vinson and Wyrick were transported to the Crawford County Jail and incarcerated without bond.

“They are considered innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a court of law,” noted Romanus. The investigation continues, he noted.

Sheriff’s personnel contacted the Bland school Dec. 6 concerning a search warrant at a nearby residence that would occur after school started. Romanus said Bland Middle School officials made sure that all doors were locked and secure and no students were to be allowed outside of the building.

“The situation was resolved and school has resumed as normal,” he noted on Friday. “Our students remained safe at all times during the process.”

At no time was the school or students involved in this process, according to Romanus.