Arrest made for theft of welding equipment

Jan. 31—An East Bernstadt man was arrested following a report of a welder stolen from a hotel in Somerset.

According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, on January 30, 2024 at approximately 5:10 am, Deputy Kyle Edwards responded to 50 Stevie Lynn Dr., Somerset, the address of a hotel, on a report of a welder being stolen from a pickup truck parked there overnight. Deputy Edwards reviewed surveillance video from the hotel and was able to identify the suspect's vehicle as being a dark colored Jeep.

Deputies later received a tip on the location of the stolen property and went to 100 Clifty Street, Somerset, to perform a knock-and-talk interview with the residents. Once at the residence, deputies noticed a green Jeep on the property that matched the make, model and characteristics of the suspect's vehicle, according to the sheriff's office.

Lt. Daryl Kegley and Deputies Kyle Edwards, Joey Johnson and Noah Dishman knocked on the door of the residence and were met by a female who stated the owner of the Jeep was inside. Eddie Ray Tincher, 24, East Bernstadt, Ky., came to the door and claimed ownership of the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office, which said that Tincher was asked for permission to search the Jeep, and permission was granted.

As deputies spoke with Tincher at the door, they noticed, in plain view, a welder sitting inside the residence that appeared to match the make and model of the welder stolen earlier that day from the hotel. When questioned, Tincher admitted to taking the welder from the hotel, according to the sheriff's office.

The welder was recovered from the residence and returned to the victim, according to the sheriff's office.

Eddie Ray Tincher was arrested from the scene by Deputy Joey Johnson and charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking Over $1,000. He was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing by Deputy Johnson.

This story was altered from it original version to meet the standards of CNHI.