Suspect Arrested For Vehicle Theft In Clay County

On May 22, 2024 at approximately 1:24 p.m. the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of motor vehicle theft at a residence in Blair Township. The homeowner advised that an unknown male had entered the residence and then took a vehicle that was parked in their garage. A truck had been abandoned at the residence and was later discovered to have be stolen from a farm in Louisville Township. At that location a truck with a fifth wheel camper was located and confirmed to be stolen from Clark County, Illinois.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by the victim and concerned citizens with contacting the vehicle manufacturer and acquiring the location of the vehicle, by tracking the vehicle’s built-in GPS. That location was provided to law enforcement and resulted in the recovery of the vehicle and the apprehension of the suspect in Troy, IL at approximately 4:26 p.m.

As a result of this incident Dusty L. Lawrence, 31, of Herrin, IL, was arrested by Troy Police Department. Lawrence is currently being held in the Madison County Jail for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (Madison County) and Burglary (Clay County). This case has been forwarded to the State’s Attorney for the filling of official charges within the court.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Troy Police Department.

The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.