49-year-old Lee Williams was charged with driving with a suspended license and 2 counts of both theft and vandalism after using a stolen Nashville Uhaul van to pilfer shingles from Discount Builder Supply on two separate occasions.
On July 29th, Memphis Police Department (MPD) officers were dispatched to the scene of a theft at 1260 North Hollywood Street, Discount Builder Supply. Steven Brigance stated that a male came on the property and stole twenty-seven bundles of roofing shingles worth $1,143.00 and a fan worth $250. Video evidence was provided showing a male cutting the chain which secured the front gate and bring a white Ford Transit van through. Damages to the lock and fence were valued at approximately $550. As the van left the gated area the video surveillance caught the license plate number as well as a sticker on the back that said Uhaul.com. Uhaul was contacted where investigators spoke with representative Jerian Hoxie who stated that the specified vehicle had been rented in Nashville, Tennessee on May 29th, 2020 by Leon Stinson and was meant to have been returned June 3rd. Hoxie also divulged several demand letters have been sent to the renter’s address.
On August 12th, MPD was again dispatched to the scene of a theft at 1260 North Hollywood Street, Discount Builder Supply. Kenton Vanderhook reported an unknown individual cut a hole in the fence and stole ninety bundles of roofing shingles worth $2,000. Video evidence was shown to the investigator showing a white Transit van back up to the front gate and two individuals reach through the fence to removing the shingles. Damages to the fence were approximately $500.
On August 14th, Crump Station Task Force Officers observed the white Ford Transit Van at Ayers Street and Jackson Avenue with a man in the driver’s seat. They conducted a traffic stop and apprehended the driver, Lee Williams, who was found to have a revoked driver’s license. After being placed into custody, Williams waived his Miranda rights, confessed to the theft and vandalism at Discount Builder Supply. He also stated the van had been stripped of all Uhaul markings. Investigators spoke again with Uhaul representative Hoxie who told them Williams did not have permission to be driving the vehicle, valued at $25,000. Hoxie also said the cost to replace the Uhaul labeling is valued between $1,000 -$2,500.
Lee Williams was arrested and charged with auto theft of $10,000 to $60,000, property theft of $2,500 to $10,000, 2 counts vandalism $1,000 to $2,500, and driving with a revoked license. He is jailed in lieu of a $30,000 bond.
