Walker County Sheriff’s Dispatch on Thursday received a call of a possible Burglary In Progress on Sipsey Road in Empire.
Deputies Brandon Pugh, Josh Richardson, and Matt Handley responded to the location but the suspect had already left.
Richardson spotted the suspect vehicle and Pugh made a traffic stop on it. The home owner’s property was found in the vehicle. The suspect claimed he obtained the items from the Cullman Flea Market. The suspect then changed his story and admitted to the burglary after he realized the owner was coming to identify the property.
Michael Lee Paugh, 51, of Quinton, was arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd degree and Theft of Property 2nd degree.
“That is two recent burglary in progress calls that were resolved quickly thanks to the citizens who were vigilant in keeping an eye on what is going on in their area,” Sheriff Nick Smith said.
