2 caught with stolen A/C parts
Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 26, 2011
An alleged pair of thieves was arrested Wednesday after law enforcement saw air conditioner parts hanging out the truck’s windows.
Sheriff Dennis Meeks said Deputy Alan Syler arrested Tifton D. Hartley, 32, and Billy Ray Weaver, 59, after a “be on the look out” call, or BOLO, was issued for a pickup truck traveling south on U.S. 29 from Cren-shaw County at about 3:30 p.m.
“Supp-osedly the truck contained numerous air conditioner parts and pieces,” Meeks said. “Deputy Syler was able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle when he made contact just north of the Andalusia city limits. Numerous large air conditioner parts were hanging out the truck windows, and other parts were found inside the rear compartment of the Ford Explorer.”
Meeks said serial numbers matched those of units stolen from the Dozier Community just hours prior to the traffic stop.
Both men were arrested and charged with first-degree receiving stolen property and booked into the county jail.
Meeks said Weaver was also charged with violation of parole. No bonds were set when The Star-News went to press.
There have been an increasing number of air condition thefts over the last several months, law enforcements said.
About 10 days ago, the units outside the Three-Notch Museum were vandalized. Since the copper lines were cut to drain the Freon, museum officials believe the vandals planned to return for the units. Since then, safeguards have been put into place to protect the units.
However, law enforcement officials reminded residents to report suspicious activity once it’s observed.