A helpful neighbor, an observant victim and an alert Priceville police officer all came together to help catch a theft suspect and recover stolen property last week, according to Sheriff Ana Franklin.

Steve Sparkman called the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Oct. 16 at approximately 6:37 a.m. to report a theft of tools from his vehicle at his residence, 897 Barnett Chapel Road. Sgt Chris Price responded and took a report. A neighbor later told Sparkman that he saw a young man who lived near there loading power tools into his vehicle.

Sparkman knew the young man in question, and the vehicle he drove.

The victim again called the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office three hours later and reported that he was behind the suspect vehicle on Alabama 67, traveling northbound. A bulletin was immediately broadcast.

Priceville Assistant Chief Ron Deweese responded to the bolo, located the suspect vehicle and stopped the vehicle. Tools matching the description of the stolen property were visible. Sgt. Chad Smith responded to the scene.

Smith had Sparkman identify the tools in the suspect vehicle as his property.

Tyler Blake Bailey, 23, of 937 Barnett Chapel Road in Somerville and charged him with unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, a class “c” felony. The stolen property was returned to the owner.

Bailey was taken to the Morgan County Jail in lieu of a $10,000 bond.