On Saturday January 16, 2010 at approximately 10:20 p.m. officers from the Columbus Police Department interrupted two individuals attempting to steal gasoline from a U-Haul truck at Durhams Service Center.
The suspects fled on foot and a three hour multi-agency search was unsuccessful in locating the suspects.
After a week long investigation, the Columbus Police Department arrested Byron Shane Ward, 38, of Hendersonville for Felony Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, Felony Possession of Burglary Tools and Misdemeanor Attempted Larceny. Ward was also charged for Driving While License Revoked, Displaying a Fictitious License Plate, Operating a Vehicle without Insurance and Failing to Register a Motor Vehicle.
Ward was being held in the Polk County Jail under a $35,000 bond.
Mary Moffitt, 38, of Hendersonville was arrested for Accessory After the Fact of a Felony. Moffitt was released from the Polk County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond.
Both Ward and Moffitt are scheduled to appear in district court on February 10, 2010. Warrants are still outstanding on Michael Jason Hoots, 30, of Hendersonville.
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of. Hoots is asked to call the Columbus Police Department at (828) 894-5464.