A man formerly of Leitchfield has been arrested after renting a U-Haul box truck and living in it along with several other people.
On Monday, local law enforcement was issued a be on the lookout (BOLO) alert for a missing 2014 GM U-Haul box truck. At approximately 3:15, Constable Mark Stanton executed a traffic stop on the vehicle on Bloomington Road, near the intersection of Anneta Road, according to the arrest citation.
The vehicle contained five people, with witnesses at a nearby business telling police that a man fled the truck prior to being stopped by Stanton.
Those remaining in the truck told Stanton and Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Fred Norder that “they had made an agreement with the UHaul rental facility in Paducah to return the vehicle by” 6:00 Monday night. But the Paducah Police Department, according to the citation, had entered the vehicle as stolen into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
One of the occupants, 45-year-old Heath Cook, of Hardin County (formerly of Leitchfield), took responsibility for renting the vehicle. He said they had been living in the truck “for an extended period of time,” the citation states.
“It should be noted that the vehicle was in disarray, as it contained significant personal property in the cargo area and cab, as well as trash,” the citation says. An extension cord also ran from the cab to the “box area and into the cargo area for power.” A mattress and numerous clothing items were also in the truck.
Cook was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property (over $10,000), changing drivers while a car is in motion (reckless driving) and no operator’s license. He is lodged in the Grayson County Detention Center. No one else was charged in the incident.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
