Police arrest man in connection with multiple business burglaries

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Topeka police arrested a man in connection with a series of business burglaries that occurred over the past few months in the capital city, officials said.

The arrested man was identified as Eric Darnell Swopes, 52, of Topeka.

Authorities said Swopes was arrested in connection with burglaries targeting at least eight locally owned businesses across Topeka.

The break-ins were reported over a several-month period from the fall of 2025 until April 2 and included the following locations:

• Yolk House, 2841 S.E. Croco Road, Nov. 18, 2025.

• Circle Coffee, 1710 S.W. Medford Ave., Feb. 28, 2026.

• Milk and Honey Coffee Co.,2200 S.E. 29th St., attempted burglary, March 7, 2026.

• Crispy & Co-Hanebe, 2855 S.W. Wanamaker Road, March 7, 2026.

• Golden Dragon, 1101 S. Kansas Ave., March 17, 2026.

• Indian Bistro, 2919 S.W. Wanamaker Road, March 21, 2026.

• Mexican Taco Shop, 3730 S.W. Burlingame Road, March 27, 2026.

• El Ranchito, 3425 S. Kansas Ave., April 2, 2026.

Officials said Swopes was booked into the Shawnee County Jail at 6:50 a.m. Friday, April 3, in connection with burglary; theft; and criminal damage to property.

Swopes remained in jail on Tuesday, where he was being held on a $15,000 bond.

Police officials said it is believed Swopes “may be involved in more cases in Topeka and surrounding communities” and that additional charges may be filed pending review of the case by the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation remains active and is ongoing.

Additional details weren’t immediately available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation may call Topeka police detectives at 785-368-9400 or Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.