In the early morning hours June 17, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious person at a residence on Pike County Road 7714.

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas said deputies responded to the location in less than eight minutes and witnessed several individuals in two UTVs loaded with lawn equipment. Thomas said the lawn equipment is believed to have been stolen from the property.

Thomas said when deputies arrived, the suspects fled on foot into a wooded area, leaving the two trucks with trailers they arrived on. Thomas said deputies established  a perimeter and coordinated a search with assistance from the Troy Police Department and the Alabama Department of Conservation Game and Fish Division.

Thomas said the suspects were tracked for six hours and deputies lost contact with them two miles into Montgomery County. Thomas said it is believed the suspects were picked up by an unknown individual.

“The PCSO extends its sincere appreciation to the Troy Police Department and the Alabama Game and Fish Division for their support and collaboration during the incident,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the investigation remains active and ongoing. He said the trucks and trailers were seized by the PCSO and charges are expected to be filed as more information is developed. Thomas said anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the PCSO at 334-566-4347,