Arrest Made in Neshoba County Stolen Trailer
Trailer Theft Suspect Arrested; Stolen Property Recovered
On October 19th, Michael Beckham reported the theft of a commercial dump trailer from a business in Philadelphia.
During the following week, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office deputies canvassed surrounding businesses to collect surveillance footage, which showed the suspect’s truck and trailer traveling through Philadelphia toward Highway 16 East before leaving Neshoba County. Deputies were able to identify the vehicle using Flock License Plate Reader cameras, which revealed an Alabama license plate number.
Further investigation determined the displayed plate had been swapped and did not belong to the truck in question.
Deputies later learned the vehicle had traveled to the Golden Moon Casino, where it remained for several days. Working with Pearl River Resort Security and the Choctaw Police Department, deputies identified the suspect as Charles Ryan Hopper of Gardendale, Alabama. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest.
On Thursday, October 30th, Sheriff Eric Clark and a deputy traveled to Gardendale, Alabama, where they met with Detective Buddy Partridge of the Gardendale Police Department to locate Hopper and the stolen trailer.
Gardendale Police made contact with Hopper, who admitted to taking the trailer but initially refused to disclose its location. Hopper was taken into custody and transported to the Neshoba County Detention Center, where he was charged with Grand Larceny.
After several days of questioning, Hopper informed jail staff of the trailer’s location. Gardendale Police were notified and successfully recovered the trailer.
On November 4th, Michael Beckham and Deputy Trent Rickles traveled to the Gardendale Police Department, where the trailer was released back to Mr. Beckham.
The Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its appreciation to the Gardendale Police Department, Pearl River Resort Security, and the Choctaw Police Department, and the local businesses who shared their surveillance footage for their assistance in recovering the stolen property and apprehending the suspect.