Thomas Bouch
Detectives with the Chattanooga Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit have arrested a man they say is responsible for a recent rash of gas thefts.
Thomas Bouch, 39, was taken into custody on charges of theft and vandalism.
Police said, "Bouch was involved in the recent thefts of gasoline where he cut the gas lines on parked vehicles throughout the Chattanooga Area. At this point, there are approximately 18 cases that occurred within the city of Chattanooga and others in East Ridge, Red Bank, Collegedale, and in Hamilton County.
"This was a collective effort between these agencies to identify and locate Bouch, who is currently at the Hamilton County Jail."
The thefts have been especially costly for the victims - losing large amounts of gas and also having to replace gas lines costing as much as $300.