MPD: Armed man caught stealing tires from boxcar
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man went to jail Tuesday after police caught him loading stolen tires from a train into a van in Highland Heights.
James Smith, 67, is charged with theft of property $2,500 – $10,000, evading arrest, burglary of a building, and convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
On April 22, Memphis Police responded to a call at 699 Crump Avenue regarding an unknown man loading tires into a green van.
When officers arrived, they saw a man running from the van toward the train tracks. They then began to search the area.
The man was found in a bush east of where the officers had originally lost sight of him. He was then identified as James Smith.
Smith had a Smith and Wesson Model 10 revolver loaded with five live rounds in his waistband.
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Officers continued searching the area and found 85 Goodyear/Bridgestone tires scattered in different areas along the railroad tracks. Fifteen of those same tires were loaded into the green van.
A total of 23 packages of Diablo sanding pads, 34 masonry blades, 20 oscillating blades, and 16 pillows were stacked in different areas with the tires. All of the items were worth $9,600.
According to MPD, Pellegra with the CSX Railroad police stated that the items were stolen from a train boxcar.
James Smith is held on a $15,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning.
In 2021, Smith pled guilty to aggravated burglary and was sentenced to six years in jail.
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