CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville police were able to apprehend a suspected vehicle burglar thanks to the efforts of an alert citizen.
On Jan. 20 around 10:45 a.m., the suspect took advantage of a man who left his vehicle unlocked in the home Depot parking lot on Wilma Rudolph Blvd. The burglar, later identified as Nathan Clay, parked beside the unlocked truck and got in to steal items left inside.
Police said a witness saw the alleged crime and took the time to get a detailed vehicle and suspect description, which she shared with police.
Clay was located at the Lowe’s parking lot within 10 minutes after the burglary. When officers approached him, he immediately knew why they were there, according to police spokesman Jim Knoll. The stolen items were found inside his vehicle along with other property which was later determined to be stolen from another vehicle burglary that morning in a church parking lot at the 700 block of Madison St.
When Nathan Clay was taken in custody, he was also found in possession of some pills and drug paraphernalia.
The recovered property was returned to the owners. There was other property which could not be linked to an owner which was turned into evidence: woman and man’s watch, a pocket mask with STARC MED DET 4, knife, ring and some items.
Clay, 33, was charged with VEHICLE BURGLARY X 2, SIMPLE POSSESSION, and UNLAWFUL DRUG PARAPHERNALIA: BOND: $12,000.