VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - A stolen church bell, cut into pieces and sold for scrap, has led to an arrest in Knox County.
It began on February 6 when Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Royal Oak Presbyterian Church on Royal Oak Church Road, located east of Vincennes between Bruceville and Wheatland.
At the scene, deputies discovered damage to the church, along with a rusty pipe wrench and clothing items.
Further investigation revealed that the large brass bell had been stolen.
Days later, on February 10, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois contacted Knox County authorities after a 345-pound brass bell was sold to a recycling center in Newton for $724.50.
This tip led investigators to a suspect: 42-year-old Travis Allen Heath.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by WAKC News Now, the owner of the recycling center provided police with an Indiana driver's license number and Heath’s name.
The affidavit states when officers attempted to question Heath, he refused, stating he “didn’t have time.”
Heath was arrested on February 25 after a warrant was issued.
He was booked into the Knox County Jail on charges of Theft with a prior conviction and Criminal Mischief, both Level 6 felonies.
Heath was later released after posting 10% of his $5,000 bond.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was updated to include information stated in a Probable Cause Affidavit.
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