Paris, Tenn.–A Memphis man is in custody after his arrest in Henry County Wednesday for attempting to steal catalytic converters from local vehicles.
At 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, Henry County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tom Bell was notified a silver car was in the parking lot of Russwood Baptist Church, 4480 East Antioch Rd. Springville, and a black male was under the church van. The subject left after being seen.
At approx. 2:20 p.m., Deputy Brittany Nance spotted a vehicle on Hwy. 218 matching the earlier description. The vehicle was stopped with the driver at first identifying himself as Brandon Scott of Memphis.
The subject did not have a driver’s license nor was the vehicle registered. Three catalytic converters, which obviously had been cut off vehicles, and a Sawzall and other tools were found in the vehicle, according to the press release. At this time it is unknown from where the converters were stolen.
The subject was arrested for Possession of Burglary Tools, Driving without a license and Criminal Attempt to commit Theft of Property.
Further investigation by the Criminal investigations Division found that the subject’s actual name is Dwayne Morgan aka Dwayne Rawls of Memphis. He is additionally being charged with Criminal Impersonation.
The theft of catalytic converters has become a major problem in the area. Investigation has found that several groups and or persons are involved with the thefts. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office asked that people watch for suspicious vehicles and persons on church and business parking lots day or night.