Suspected multi-state theft ring uncovered in Bootheel

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. - The recovery of a stolen ATV has led law enforcement officers to several items stolen from Mississippi and Alabama.

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Office was asked to assist the Hayti Police in locating a stolen ATV.

A short time later, officers observed the vehicle with the ATV traveling south on Interstate 55, according to a news release from the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department. Officers stopped the vehicle at the top of the Hayti overpass.

During the investigation it was determined the ATV actually was stolen from Mississippi and not the reporting individual.

A man from Mississippi and another from Tennessee were taken into custody. Their names were not released pending the filing of formal charges for possession of stolen property.

On Sunday, further information obtained by deputies led to the recovery of two more stolen ATVs, a riding lawnmower and a motorcycle, all stolen from either Mississippi or Alabama. These items were located in northeastern Pemiscot County.