A defective taillight on a vehicle that was reportedly stolen led Great Bend Police to arrest the driver on multiple charges, including felony theft and aggravated burglary, Police Chief Steve Haulmark reports.

A Great Bend Police Officer stopped the vehicle in question around 12:16 a.m. Tuesday at 24th and Main. According to reports, “During contact with the driver, the officer was given a name that was later proven to be false.” The officer recontacted the driver, who admitted to be Phillip Markum, 23. He stated he was the registered owner of the vehicle and that he had financial cards in his wallet that belonged to a family member.

“The officer was advised otherwise by Barton County Dispatch. Another officer contacted the registered owner who informed officers that her vehicle had been stolen. Markum was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail. While there, it was determined the financial cards he had in his wallet had been reported stolen in a previous case (25-439) of aggravated burglary. During questioning, Markum admitted to entering a residence to steal the items.”

He was booked on the charge of aggravated burglary in lieu of a $75,000 bond (25-439). He was also booked for charges of felony theft, felony interference, no driver’s license, no insurance, and no tag light, with an additional $10,000 bond request.