Suspect identified in Mayfield skid steer theft

Kentucky State Police identified a suspect being sought in the theft of a piece of heavy equipment rented in Mayfield in December. 

KSP said the suspect is 19-year-old James E. Slaughter of Blytheville, Arkansas. Slaughter is believed to have rented a skid steer on December 12th, then when it was due to be returned he allegedly claimed it had been stolen. 

The owner of the equipment rental business told police that a GPS unit had been installed on the skid steer. It showed the machine had been transported to Arkansas. Eventually, the skid steer was recovered in Blytheville.

Slaughter is accused of providing false out-of-state identification to the business in Mayfield, using the name Mark Afanasev. Although it was a false identity, police believe the photo used was of the suspect. 

Slaughter is described as a black male, 5'4", weighing about 130 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. 

Slaughter is wanted on charges of theft by unlawful taking, destruction of VIN number, criminal mischief, and criminal possession of a forged instrument. 

Anyone with information about him should contact KSP at 270-856-3721.