An investigation by property crimes detectives has landed two men in the Bradley County jail where they are charged with burglary and theft.
Detectives learned from the homeowner on Sheep Ranch Road that she was approached by the pair inquiring about grinding up tree stumps on her property. After agreeing to let them do the work, one of the men distracted her inside the home while the other went into a detached garage. There, he removed automobile parts, tools, bicycles, metal, a chain saw and other items having a value in excess of $10,000.
The investigation revealed the suspects, Shawn T. Hicks, 38, of Knoxville, and Gary Eli Gibson, 42, who gave addresses in both Soddy Daisy and Cleveland, have traveled throughout the Chattanooga area.
Other law enforcement agencies could have open cases involving similar circumstances or there could be individuals who had contact with Hicks and Gibson. Anyone with similar circumstances is asked to contact the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 423 728-7336.
Gibson was arrested on June 6 by court services personnel when he reported to the parole office in Bradley County. Hicks was arrested by a Polk County deputy on Monday after several citizens provided information on where he could be found.
Both have prior convictions and will remain in custody on parole violation warrants.