Police hoping arrest helps build leads in ATV thefts

A short chase in Woodbine Monday night led to the arrest of two people, and police are hoping it will shake loose suspects in an ATV theft ring that has local owners of the popular vehicles nervous and watchful.
Twenty-three-year-old Justin Proffitt, of Keavy, and an unnamed juvenile were taken into custody Monday night after they led Sheriff’s deputies on a short chase through the Woodbine community.
Whitley County Sheriff Lawrence Hodge said Sgt. Glenn Bunch spotted two ATVs, with two riders each, on the roadway in pouring rain, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. It is illegal, under most circumstances, to ride an ATV on a public roadway in Kentucky. The drivers of both vehicles attempted to elude police. Deputy Brett Reeves joined the chase, but Hodge said one of the ATVs got away.
The other, driven by the male juvenile, failed to escape after bearing off into a wooded area off Tower Road just inside Knox County. Proffitt and the driver tried to flee on foot and hide from police, but were caught.
According to an arrest citation, Proffitt was charged with public intoxication, possession of marijuana, fleeing and evading police and third-degree unlawful transaction with a minor. He was also wanted in Laurel County on warrants for other charges.
Hodge said the juvenile was cited and released to his parents. Charges on him weren’t revealed.
Police were unable to determine if the ATV the pair was riding was stolen because of the weather and darkness. He said Tuesday they intended to try to trace its ownership.
“We hope we’ve got something,” he said. “We’ve got pretty much everybody working on this. It’s been a real problem.”
Hodge said police have confirmed four ATVs stolen locally in the last week and 11 attempted thefts.
“They tried to get more, but the owners run them off or they woke up or whatever,” Hodge said. “They just get anything that ain’t tied down. You know how a thief is.”
He said he thinks there are about four people involved in the thefts, and hopes the recent arrest could lead to information useful in the case.
In the meantime, police are suggesting that ATV owners always lock up the vehicles in a garage or building when not in use.