MIDDLESBORO —Cooperation between the Middlesboro Police Department (MPD) and the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department led to the Wednesday arrest of a wanted burglary suspect, according to a press release from MPD.

MPD Sgt. Wade Barnett was investigating a burglary at the Shell Station on Hwy. 25-E, across from Burger King, when he received information that led him to James R. O’Neal, who resides in Cumberland Gap, Tenn.

After several failed attempts to reach O’Neal, Barnett contacted Claiborne County Sheriff’s Dept. Detective John Collins, and asked for assistance in reaching the suspect.

Shortly thereafter, O’Neal was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center on charges of burglary in the third degree.

Officers of both departments said in the release that they hoped this arrest would prove the futility for criminals to run across state lines.

“Both departments are working together with the citizens and each other to solve as many crimes as possible,” MPD stated in the release.

Anyone with crime information can contact MPD at (606)248-3636 or the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Dept. at (423)626-3121.