KPD e-Press Release: Two Men Arrested in Theft of a Backhoe

Approximately 4:00 AM

Kingsport, TN

Suspect #1 Information

24 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

Suspect #2 Information

26 Years of Age

Kingsport, TN

General Narrative

On July 30, 2013 at approximately 4:00 AM, Kingsport Central Dispatch forwarded an alert from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office to be on the lookout for two suspicious vehicles, a yellow backhoe followed by a white pickup truck, in the Sullivan Gardens area.

Kingsport Police Patrol Officer Justin McConnell responded to the area and observed the backhoe travelling on Sullivan Gardens Parkway weaving considerably back and forth in the roadway. When Officer McConnell initiated a traffic stop, the driver accelerated the backhoe, turned onto Shady View Road, and into a yard. The driver, later identified as Steven Steadman, jumped from the backhoe and fled on foot. Officer McConnell chased Steven Steadman through the yard, back to Sullivan Gardens Parkway.

When Steven Steadman reached Sullivan Gardens Parkway, the aforementioned white pickup truck was stopped in the roadway waiting for him. The pickup truck was driven by Steven Steadman’s brother, Johnny Steadman. Steven Steadman climbed into the bed of the pickup, shouted, “Go, Go, Go,” and the truck sped away.

Kingsport Police Patrol Officer Brandon Ferrell arrived on scene and caught up to the truck. Officer Ferrell initiated a traffic stop on the pickup which eventually stopped on Sullivan Gardens Parkway near the intersection of Sullivan Gardens Drive. Steven Steadman jumped from the bed of the truck, but was apprehended after a second foot chase.

Johnny Steadman turned the truck around and accelerated back toward Shady View Road. Kingsport Police Patrol Lieutenant Todd Harrison arrived on scene and pursued the pickup for approximately one mile on Shady View Road. The pickup eventually came to a stop, and Johnny Steadman was taken into custody.

Further investigation revealed that the backhoe, with a value of approximately $85,000, was owned by Thomas Construction Company and had been stolen from a construction site on Rock Springs Road.

Steven Steadman exhibited a strong odor of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet. He acknowledged consuming a six pack of beer. He refused to consent to a test to determine his blood alcohol content, so a search warrant was obtained, and a mandatory blood draw was executed.

Steven Steadman was arrested and charged with the following:

1) Theft of Property over $60,000

2) Driving Under the Influence

3) Driving on a Revoked License

4) Evading Arrest

Johnny Steadman was arrested and charged with the following:

1) Accessory After the Fact

2) Evading Arrest

For additional information, please contact:

Ptl. Thomas M. Patton

K.P.D. Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit

423-229-9433

ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov

K.P.D. Community Relations & Crime Prevention Unit