The theft occurred at 4337 Bates Pike.  Neighbors who saw the man taking large appliances out of the residence and loading them onto the Penske truck called the owner of the property.  When he arrived he told the suspect the sheriff’s office was on the way and he should await their arrival.         

Instead he got into the truck and drove away.  The truck was spotted getting onto U.S. 64 going west in the eastbound lanes, but as officers approached it switched to the westbound lane at a median crossover.  Deputies got behind the truck and attempted to get it to the side of the road.  At one point a patrol car was forced into the median.        

The truck got onto A-P-D 40 where it was blocked in by patrol vehicles and a log truck.  The driver, identified as Steven Paul Brooks, 41, of 350 Matt Circle, pulled to the side of the road and attempted to flee on foot.  He was taken into custody without further incident.        

During questioning at the sheriff’s office, Brooks gave officers permission to search his Matt Circle home.  There they found approximately 80 marijuana plants in a bedroom.        

Charges include burglary; felony evading; cultivation of marijuana; theft over $10,000; felony reckless endangerment; vandalism; resisting stop, frisk and halt; and possession of drug paraphernalia.        

In the truck deputies found items taken from the home on Bates Pike including refrigerators, dishwashers, cook tops, stoves, and a stainless double oven, valued at approximately $20,000.  They have been returned to the owner.          

Sheriff Tim Gobble said the successful conclusion to this investigation can be attributed to neighbors watching out for each other.  The sheriff said Neighborhood Watch works.  Any communities wishing to organize a Neighborhood Watch program can contact Sgt. Yvonne Johnson at 728-7318.