Law Enforcement Connects The Dots

According to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester, the Salina Police Department is searching for a Ford County man following two separate robberies.

Sheriff deputies were dispatched to The Shady Lady after a man allegedly had his wallet stolen around 1:15 AM. UnderSheriff Brent Melander told KSAL News: A 57-year-old man from Tryon Nebraska was inside the establishment and went out to his vehicle to get more money. Two men approached him from behind and took his wallet from his pocket. The 57-year-old followed the two over to their vehicle, reached through the window and grabbed the steering wheel in attempt to keep them from leaving. The passenger got out a gun and threatened the man.

Melander said the victim described the two culprits as possibly Hispanic males that left in a dark colored car.

The total loss includes $20 in cash, the wallet, and other assorted contents of the wallet.

Forrester said he believes the case from the Sheriff’s Office is related to the following case being investigated by the Salina Police department.

According Police Captain Paul Forrester; Officers were dispatched to the Pilot Travel Center, at 1944 N. Ninth around 6:00 AM. A 48-year-old man from Missouri was walking back to his semi truck when he felt someone reach for his wallet. The man described the thief as a 6′ white male, approximately 160 lbs, and threatening with a handgun. He demanded money from the truck driver who gave him the $900 he had with him. A female exited a nearby vehicle and also made a comment about the money.

The couple allegedly got into a blue 2002 Ford Taurus headed northbound on 9th st. The vehicle was later found burned and abandoned on a rural Saline County road.

Officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, who lives in Ford County. Forrester said the owner lent the car to a man who is now a person of interest in the case.

Law enforcement officers are looking for Dustin Bilbrey, 36, a white male, about 6’3” and 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing jeans, a gray shirt and red ballcap.

Bibrey should be considered armed and dangerous. If you spot Bilbrey or have information about where he may be located, contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210 or CrimeStoppers at (785) 825-8477