From The Knox County Ky Sheriff's Department -
A Barbourville man has been arrested after being caught in a stolen vehicle and charged with a separate New Year's Eve break-in.
Detective Jesse Smith responded to a burglary call on December 31, 2023, at Extreme Fitness on Highway 25E.
Through his investigation Detective Smith determined that over a three-day period 47-year-old Alan Wesley Smith broke into the garage of the business and stole two vehicles - a Jeep and a Chevrolet Avalanche - along with multiple tools, and caused damage to the property. Detective Smith later found the Jeep abandoned on Highway 229.
Warrants were then obtained for Alan Smith's arrest.
On Saturday, January 20, 2024, deputies were out looking for Smith in the Hinkle area of Knox County on KY 1304. He was observed operating a black Chevrolet pickup truck. After running the vehicle tag through Knox Dispatch, it was returned as stolen from Laurel County.
A traffic stop was initiated, Smith was taken into custody, and lodged in the Knox County Detention Center. He was charged with theft by unlawful taking auto $10,000 to $1,000,000, criminal mischief - 1st degree, burglary - 3rd degree, and additionally with receiving stolen property $10,000 or more. He also had an outstanding contempt of court charge.
Assisting were Lt. Sam Mullins and Deputy Alford.