FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WAFF) - Suspects in theft of catalytic converters from Pine Ridge Baptist Church have been identified thanks to a citizen with a good eye.
Police have identified Eric Steward of Soddy Daisy, TN and Gregory Summers of Hixson, TN as suspects in this investigation.
In the early morning hours of March 3, authorities believe this duo in a maroon Ford F-150 stopped at Pine Ridge Baptist Church and stole a catalytic converter from a church van. During the removal, the vehicle does not appear to be at the church.
According to deputies, the vehicle returns after the converter was removed. A white male puts the converter and a cutting tool into the bed of the truck before leaving the scene.
The white male was seen wearing blue jeans, boots, a camouflage jacket and a dark mask.
A business owner in Rainsville said she recognized the suspects from the surveillance photos from shopping in her store on the same day the crime was committed. She said they were wearing the same clothes and driving the same vehicle as the pictures show.
Through further investigation, Summers was found in Dade County, Georgia on March 6. Deputies with the Dade County Sheriff’s Office arrested Summers on drug charges.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is now seeking extradition on Summers while working with authorities in Tennessee to arrest Stewart.
If you have any information:
- Call the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801
- Email at info@dekalbcountysheriff.org
All information will be kept anonymous.
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