BEDFORD — A man who left his truck running outside a building on K Street became the victim of a motor vehicle theft, according to an affidavit filed by the Bedford Police Department. The suspect was quickly identified using surveillance footage from the scene.
The incident occurred on the morning of September 26, at 1305 K Street. The victim reported that he had arrived in his 2015 White GMC Sierra and briefly exited the vehicle, leaving the keys in the ignition and the engine running, to grab a cup of coffee.
According to the probable cause affidavit submitted by Officer Bailey Duprey, a shirtless male subject exited the building at approximately 6:37 a.m., entered the running truck through the passenger side, moved into the driver’s seat, and drove away. The victim also reported that two pistols were inside the center console at the time of the theft.
The theft was captured on surveillance cameras maintained by the Bedford Housing Authority. Video footage showed the male suspect inside and outside the building, including a segment where he was seen removing two shirts before making his way to the running vehicle.
Through a comparison of the surveillance footage and a mugshot taken by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department from a separate warrant arrest earlier that morning, Bedford Police officers were able to positively identify the suspect as Justin A. Mills, 43, of Anderson.
Bedford Police Detective Thompkins later confirmed that the stolen GMC Sierra was located and returned to the rightful owner. All contents within the vehicle, including the reported firearms, were accounted for.
Based on the evidence, Mills now faces charges of theft of a motor vehicle and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle. Mills was detained on a warrant on October 17.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
