Portsmouth Police Chief Robert Ware is praising the work of three of his officers, as well as the entire shift they are on, after they were able to stop a theft while it was going on.
It resultled in the discovery of a lot of items the police believe to be stolen.
He is also asking the public to call a specific number if they have been the victim of a recent theft.
Midnight shift patrol officers from the Portsmouth Police Department made a major apprehension in the recent theft of property from vehicles that have been occurring in the City of Portsmouth, particularly in the north end of the city. Officers responding to a theft in progress call were able to facilitate an arrest.
Further investigation by Officers Shane Hatfield, Cody Erwin, and Nate Williams lead officers to a residence on Scioto Trail. That is where they discovered a large amount of property, including tools and electronics, believed to have been stolen from vehicles. Also recovered were numerous bicycles.
“I am extremely proud of these three officers and the entire midnight shift,” Ware told the Daily Times. “They have been working diligently to develop leads, identify suspects, and attempt to apprehend those responsible for the thefts. It is that dedication and determination, along with tips from the community, that made this apprehension possible. Their perseverance is a testament to their commitment to keep the community safe and recover property taken from residents.”
Arrested for the Friday morning incident was Michael Sturgill, 27, who gives his address as Oak Hill, though officers said he has been staying at the Scioto Trail residence.
“He is currently charged with felony five theft and felonly possession of criminal tools,” Detective Steve Brewer said.
Now comes the diffcult work of linking items up with their rightful owners. Ware said due to the magnitude of property that has been recovered, anyone who thinks they may have property that belongs to them, should not call the Dispatch Center or Detective Bureau and there is no need to show up in person. Ware said the first step will be to call an officer dedicated to fielding your call.
“We ask that beginning Monday morning, anyone who has recently been a victim of thefts to call a specific number to provide any identifying information about your property,” Ware said. “That number is 740-353-3181. That information will be used to link victims to any property that may have been recovered. The best hours to call are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. because that is when the phone will be manned.”
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