Catalytic converter theft investigation links Paducah man to multi-county theft charges

After an initial arrest on Friday related to the theft of catalytic converters, Paducah and McCracken County detectives have linked that individual to several other recent thefts in western Kentucky, and made an additional arrest.

On Wednesday, Paducah police responded to the Easter Seals Center on North 14th Street regarding the theft of a catalytic converter. On Thursday, another catalytic converter theft was reported at a business on Park Avenue. 

Meanwhile, Sheriff Ryan Norman shared surveillance video of an attempted theft at Jason’s Collision Center on County Park Road with detectives, who identified the suspect as 42-year-old Jeremiah W. Wood. Wood was already a suspect in multiple recent thefts and had outstanding warrants from Marshall County related to earlier catalytic converter thefts.

While at Wood's residence, detectives discovered that a family member had discarded a bag in a trash can containing a Sawzall, a tool commonly used in catalytic converter thefts.

On Friday, detectives located and arrested Wood and 33-year-old Danielle Davenport of Dexter hiding inside a detached garage on the property. 

Wood was transported to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, where he confessed to committing numerous thefts in Paducah, as well as McCracken, Marshall and Livingston counties.

A search of Wood’s residence resulted in the recovery of numerous stolen items, including a large metal brake, a cutting torch, and welding helmets. Investigation also revealed Wood was responsible for the December thefts of a Kubota side-by-side valued at $13,800 from a McCracken County business, and a Polaris four-wheeler from a McCracken County residence.

Later Friday night, detectives searched the Adams Street residence of 64-year-old James Guiling. Detectives recovered numerous stolen catalytic converters, along with a small quantity of methamphetamine. Guiling was not present, and is still sought by police.

Additional stolen catalytic converters have since been recovered from another location in Livingston County.

Wood's charges include theft by unlawful taking over $10,000; theft by unlawful taking under $10,000; and Marshall County warrants for criminal mischief.

Davenport is charged in Marshall County for criminal mischief and theft by unlawful taking.

Guiling is sought for possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.

Additional charges and arrests are anticipated.


(Photos McCracken County Sheriff's office)