Harlan County authorities arrest catalytic converter theft suspect

WALLINS, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Harlan County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended a suspect in a catalytic converter theft.

According to a post on the agency’s Facebook page, it received a complaint from U-Haul about a truck that was rented from Barbourville several weeks ago and not brought back.

Authorities got information that the truck was located at a Wallins residence. The U-Haul truck was found behind the residence when law enforcement got there. As they investigated, it was found that the catalytic converter had been taken off and there was additional damage to the vehicle.

Tyler Riley, 26, of Wallins was charged with Theft By Unlawful Taking ($500 or more but under $10,000) and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree.

Deputies also found that Riley had an outstanding bench warrant from Knox County District Court for Failure to Appear on a Theft Charge and a bench warrant for Non-Payment of Fines from Bell County.

Riley was taken to the Harlan County Detention Center. The Harlan County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the case.