A pair of accused Kingsport home burglars apparently abandoned discretion Friday, as they were allegedly spotted rolling stolen flat screens TVs down the street — during the middle of the day — inside a city issued trash can.
Police report Cody Keith Christian, 20, of 1105 Dorothy St., and David Shane Sutherland, 26, of 322 Gibson Mill Road, were quickly located at a residence approximately a half mile away. They were each arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, theft over $1,000 and theft under $500.
The incident occurred at approximately noon on Watauga Street. A witness contacted police after spotting two suspicious males roll a trash can from the side of a residence — then proceed to take it down the street with two TVs inside.
The witness, who entered a vehicle to search the area, told police the suspects took the trash can to a residence on nearby Elizabeth Street. A Kingsport Police Department arrest report says Det. Martin Taylor visited 911 Elizabeth St., where Sutherland was observed exiting a storage building on the property.
While speaking with Sutherland, according to the report, a TV could be observed through an open door of the building. Consent was allegedly granted to conduct a search, with Christian found hiding inside a closet.
Police say they recovered the TVs and other items stolen from the Watauga Street residence, including cash, baseball cards and jewelry. The city issued trash can registered to the victim's home was also located at the scene, while entry was apparently made into their residence by forcing open a back door.
An arrest report says Christian was also found in possession of a wallet reported stolen in a November auto burglary on Tennessee Street, prompting additional charges.
Det. Taylor said several additional burglaries have been reported as of late in the area. Those investigations are continuing with charges pending.
Kingsport police also reminded individuals to take simple steps to protect their possessions. Det. Taylor urged people to always lock the doors of their vehicles, and remove valuable possessions that are inside from plain view. He also suggested parking in well lit areas when possible.