Investigation by the Todd County Sheriff’s Office early Wednesday morning led to the arrest of a Hopkinsville man for the alleged theft of a catalytic converter.
Deputy Dennis Brown located a vehicle on US 68 near the Tress Shop Road intersection about 2:30 a.m. and determined the SUV to be unoccupied.
When he returned about 20 minutes later, he found a pickup parked behind the SUV and 49-year old Tracy Cassetty of Hopkinsville claimed he stopped to see if anyone needed help.
A news release says Cassetty appeared nervous and a search of a backpack in his truck allegedly revealed a portion of a cut catalytic converter and multiple reciprocating saw blades.
An inspection of the SUV determined the catalytic converter had been partially cut and found metal shavings underneath the vehicle.
Deputy Jonathan Knight reportedly located a reciprocating saw concealed on top of the front axle underneath the vehicle with the same brand of blades as found in Cassetty possession.
Cassetty was arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking (auto parts) and possession of burglary tools.