Two arrested, third sought in multi-county theft investigation in McCracken County
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — Two people were arrested and a third is being sought following a multi-county theft investigation involving stolen vehicles, catalytic converters and other property, according to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Ryan Norman said the investigation began Jan. 29 after surveillance video was obtained showing an attempted theft at Jason’s Collision Center on County Park Road in Paducah. Detectives identified the suspect as Jeremiah Wood, 42, of Paducah, who was already under investigation for multiple thefts and had outstanding warrants from Marshall County related to catalytic converter thefts.
Detectives went to Wood’s residence on North 23rd Street in Paducah, where they learned he had recently been dropped off at a local Walmart. Investigators also discovered that a family member had discarded a bag containing a Sawzall, a tool commonly used in catalytic converter thefts.
On Jan. 30, detectives developed information on a possible location where Wood was hiding and found him and Danielle Davenport, 33, of Dexter, Kentucky, inside a detached garage on a property. Both were taken into custody on outstanding warrants.
Wood was transported to the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office and interviewed by detectives. Authorities said Wood confessed to committing numerous thefts in Paducah, McCracken County, Marshall County and Livingston County.
A search of Wood’s residence led to the recovery of multiple items of stolen property, including a large metal brake, a cutting torch and welding helmets. Investigators also determined Wood was responsible for the theft of a Kubota side-by-side valued at $13,800 from a McCracken County business on Dec. 12, 2025, and the theft of a Polaris four-wheeler from a McCracken County residence on Dec. 20, 2025.
Later that night, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence of James Q. Guiling, 64, in the 2600 block of Adams Street in Paducah. During the search, deputies recovered several stolen catalytic converters, along with a small amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Guiling was not at the residence at the time of the search.
Working with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, detectives also recovered additional stolen catalytic converters from another location in Livingston County.
Wood was charged with theft by unlawful taking involving property valued between $10,000 and $1 million, theft by unlawful taking involving property valued between $1,000 and $10,000, and multiple warrants from Marshall County, including first-degree criminal mischief and theft of motor vehicle parts. Davenport was charged on Marshall County warrants including first-degree criminal mischief and theft of motor vehicle parts.
Guiling is wanted on outstanding warrants for possession of methamphetamine, second or subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges and arrests are expected. Authorities thanked the Paducah Police Department, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office at 270-444-4719 or submit an anonymous tip through West Kentucky Crime Stoppers at 270-443-TELL.
Related links: Man arrested in connection with multiple catalytic converter thefts in Paducah – KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News
