HELTONVILLE– Justin Kyle Prater, 29, of Owensville, was arrested on Tuesday, January 28, on multiple charges, including auto theft, escape, criminal mischief, and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle. The arrest followed a series of events that began with reports of suspicious activity and led to the discovery of a stolen vehicle and multiple property damage incidents.
At approximately 9:25 p.m., Lawrence County Dispatch received a call from a resident who reported a suspicious male walking around the area, entering properties without permission. The caller described the individual, later identified as Prater, as wearing a gray shirt, sweatpants, and an orange hat. The caller also mentioned he believed the man had come from the nearby Transitions Recovery Center.
Officer J. Rhoades and Captain Harrison Fleetwood began searching the area. Shortly after, they observed a white Jeep Liberty with a flat tire on State Highway 58, driven by a man matching the suspect’s description. Prater, the driver, claimed he had permission to use the vehicle. However, after contacting the owner, it was confirmed that Prater had no permission to drive the car.
Upon further investigation, officers found evidence that Prater had also trespassed on the vehicle owner’s property, attempted to gain access to various structures, and damaged a wooden fence with the vehicle. A nearby Chrysler PT Cruiser also showed signs of attempted entry.
Prater admitted to escaping from the Transitions Recovery Center by pulling the fire alarm and later attempting to use the stolen Jeep. He claimed the owner had previously told him he could use the vehicle, which the owner denied.
Prater was arrested and taken to the Lawrence County Security Center. During the investigation, officials from the Transitions Recovery Center confirmed that Prater had been court-ordered to stay at the facility and was not authorized to leave. Parole officials were notified of the escape. In addition to vehicle theft, Prater faces charges of criminal mischief for triggering the false fire alarm at the recovery center.
The stolen Jeep was towed, and further investigation is ongoing.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
