McCracken County pair arrested in catalytic converter thefts

A pair of McCracken County residents were arrested Monday in Graves County in connection with the theft of catalytic converters. 

Graves County Sheriff's deputies said employees told them they saw a man stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle on a business's property in the Pryorsburg community. 

They said 28-year-old Austin Hawes of Melber allegedly jumped into a waiting car driven by 34-year-old Maddie Hill of Paducah and sped away on US 45.

Witnesses followed the suspects while on the phone and gave law enforcement their location.

Deputies said the pair was taken into custody at a roadblock on Cardinal Road.

During a search of the vehicle deputies reportedly found two catalytic converters, a tool used to cut them free from cars and methamphetamine and marijuana.

The pair was charged with criminal mischief, criminal trespassing and theft of property over $1,000. Hill was also charged with possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.