RING CAMERA FOOTAGE HELPS PUTNAM DEPUTIES RECOVER STOLEN EQUIPMENT
From Putnam County Shriff’s Office:
On May 30, 2025, Deputy Blair Arrington responded to 4796 Officers Chapel Rd in reference to a stolen car hauler trailer. The victim stated he went to pay for his trailer storage payment when he discovered the trailer was missing. He last recalled seeing it in early May. Following the initial report, Deputy Arrington searched the surrounding area for any surveillance footage and made contact with a nearby resident who had a Ring doorbell camera, hoping it may have captured the suspect and the trailer.
On June 1, Deputy Arrington was contacted by the nearby residents who provided him with video footage and images showing a large white enclosed trailer, matching the description of the stolen item, being pulled by a single-cab, dark blue Ford F-150 on May 12, at approximately 1:38 pm. The suspect’s vehicle information and images were then forwarded to the Investigators who were assigned to this case.
On June 9, Deputy Arrington was dispatched to a civil matter call from a resident on Cumby Rd. The caller reported that two trailers were blocking the entrance to her hayfield and she expressed frustration over not being able to access her property. When asked to describe the trailers, the resident mentioned one was a lawnmower-style trailer and the other a large white “racecar” trailer. She also stated a white Tahoe and a blue Ford F-150 were frequently seen at the neighboring residence at 3601 Cumby Rd. Deputy Arrington immediately recognized the description of the trailer and contacted Investigator Etheredge and Investigator Harris to relay this information.
Later that same day, PCSO CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and PCSO Deputies executed a search warrant at 3601 Cumby Rd located in Putnam County. Investigators were able to confirm the trailer as stolen and also discovered several pieces of expensive equipment on the property.
William Leevon Ryan confessed to Investigators that he had stolen equipment and tools from Putnam County, Jackson County, and Overton County and had been bringing the stolen property back to his residence. In total, over $100,000 worth of property was recovered including the trailer, a tractor with a bushhog, a portable power washer, a portable sawmill, and other various tools and equipment. In addition to the stolen property, 8 firearms and a large amount of ammunition were seized from the residence due to Ryan being a convicted felon.
William Leevon Ryan was arrested and charged with 2 Counts of Burglary, 4 Counts of Theft Over $10,000, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Violation of Bond Conditions. Ryan has a bond set at $165,000 and a court date of June 18, 2025.
“Security cameras can be one of the most effective tools we have when it comes to solving thefts,” said Sheriff Eddie Farris. “In many cases, like this one and the March Auto Burglaries case, just one camera—whether it’s a doorbell camera or a business security system—can capture the evidence we need to recover stolen property and identify subjects.”
“I also strongly encourage the public to mark their tools, trailers, and equipment with something identifiable such as your initials or phone number. Even just taking photos or writing down serial numbers can help us track down your property faster if it’s stolen,” Sheriff Farris added “Simple steps like these go along way, and when the community works with us, it makes a huge impact in these cases.”
This investigation is ongoing by PCSO Investigators and the surrounding agencies at this time.
