Two McCracken County residents have been arrested at around noon today for stealing catalytic converters.
At a business located on US HWY 45 South near the Pryorsburg community, employees observed a man stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle on the property.
The male suspect jumped into an awaiting car that was being driven by a female and sped away northbound on US 45. Witnesses followed the suspects while on the phone with authorities giving their locations. At one point, the getaway vehicle reached excessive speeds while trying the elude the witnesses.
The suspects turned onto Pritchett Road, then onto Cardinal Road where sheriff’s deputies had blocked the roadway to stop the suspects.
Both the female driver and male passenger were detained pending further investigation. Two catalytic converters were found in the vehicle as well as a tool that is used to cut them free from automobiles. One of the converters were found to have been stolen from a car at the business on US 45 South, and the other was found to have been stolen from a vehicle on Pritchett Road that had been destroyed during the December 10, 2021 tornado, and whose owner was killed in that storm. The Pritchett Road area was especially hit hard by the tornado and the loss of life and property was substantial.
In addition to possessing the stolen property, Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and items of drug paraphernalia was found.
Arrested: Hill, Maddie N. age 34 of Paducah, Ky
Charges: Theft of Property of Value in Excess of $1,000
Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree
Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arrested: Hawes, Austin K. age 28 of Melber, Ky
Charges: Theft of Property of Value in Excess of $1,000
Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree
Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree
Both suspects were taken to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, and later lodged at out of county detention facilities.
Catalytic converter thefts continue to be a problem for law enforcement agencies and communities regionally and beyond.
Thank you,
Jon Hayden
Sheriff
