BEDFORD – A Bedford man was arrested on Thursday, January 16, after he was caught attempting to steal tools from a local business, Arthur Paving. Lee Hursey, 53, of Bedford, now faces charges of theft under $750 and unlawful motor vehicle entry.
At approximately 10:40 p.m., Bedford Police received a call from the owner of Arthur Paving, who reported a suspicious person seen near trucks on the property. The caller mentioned that the individual attempted to break into a Ford Ranger.
Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Taylor Daugherty observed Hursey attempting to drive away in the black Ford Ranger. After stopping the vehicle, Officer Daugherty spoke to Hursey and instructed him to step out of the truck. Hursey initially claimed he was simply looking at trucks and wanted to purchase one but could not reach anyone to inquire about the vehicles.
While speaking with Hursey, Officer Daugherty learned that the man had been walking around a white 2003 Ford F350 with a flashlight. The owner of Arthur Paving confirmed this, stating he had watched the live video footage of Hursey accessing the toolboxes in the truck’s bed. Although no footprints were found around the truck, there were numerous footprints around the white F350.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that several wrenches, typically stored in small wooden boxes, were missing from the truck. In Hursey’s truck, officers found four wooden boxes, a metal box filled with miscellaneous tools, and a Stihl blower, all identified as belonging to Gore. Hursey admitted to taking the tools, explaining that he had done so because he was “broke.”
As the investigation continued, officers found more tools in Hursey’s truck, including items on the passenger side floorboard. Hursey was arrested and searched after the incident. During the search, officers discovered a flashlight and two sockets in Hursey’s jacket pocket. Hursey confirmed that the sockets did not belong to him.
All stolen items, estimated to be worth between $450 and $500, were returned to the paving company. Hursey was transported to the Lawrence County Jail, and his vehicle was towed.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
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