Dennis Edward Melton was taken into custody Tuesday night for the theft of a Chevrolet S-10 truck on Thompson Springs Road. Melton was arrested when he returned to the scene of the crime.
An investigation by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office revealed the homeowner discovered his truck had been stolen while he was checking on a vehicle he found parked at his residence. Sitting in the passenger seat was a woman. The homeowner called the sheriff’s office and while the woman was being questioned, Melton was developed as a possible suspect.
Several hours later, the homeowner called the sheriff’s office again to report Melton had returned his truck. According to the investigation, the two are not acquainted.
Melton is charged with aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000. While deputies were looking for him, they found the components of a meth lab at his residence on Circle Drive. Additional charges could be filed pending the outcome of that investigation.
Charges have not been filed against the woman.