Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Ringgold man Friday night in connection with the theft of approximately 18 commercial air conditioning units in recent weeks — most from rural churches and valued at more than $65,000.
Officials arrested Dennis Jud Buchanan, 47, of New Hope Road in Ringgold, at about 10 p.m. Friday.
According to a news release from Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor, Buchanan was nabbed stealing two commercial-grade A/C units from Greater Mount Zion Temple Church on the 13000 block of Callands Road in Callands. Deputies had placed probable targets under 24-hour surveillance.
Buchanan fled the scene in a pick-up truck, according to the release, but crashed the truck and was arrested nearby. Deputies charged Buchanan with two counts of grand larceny, one count of destruction of property, one count of eluding police and one count of resisting arrest. Investigators expect to serve additional indictments in relation to other crimes.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Buchanan’s residence, where they seized what they believed to be evidence associated with the theft of commercial grade A/C units, the majority of which weigh between two and five tons, according to the release.
Investigators have evidence indicating Buchanan acted with two other suspects, who authorities are seeking for questioning.
Buchanan remains in the Pittsylvania County jail without bond.
The Virginia State Police assisted the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office in this investigation.
Anyone with information should contact (434) 432-7808 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers line at (800) 791-0044. Information may lead to cash reward.
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