Seymour Homeowner Interrupted Thief, Took Photos as He Fled

Authorities located and arrested a Sevier County man who fled after a homeowner returned home to find him allegedly in the act of loading stolen items into his vehicle.

Officers from the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office arrested 49-year-old David E. Loveday in connection with a theft that occurred at a residence on Boyd’s Creek Road in Seymour on Tuesday.

According to the department, officers responded to a 911 call on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 from a homeowner that told officers he had returned to his home and discovered a white male in a red S-10 pickup loading items from outside his home into the truck. When the homeowner confronted the perpetrator, he reportedly got into the truck and attempted to flee through the victim’s yard, almost striking the victim. After running the truck onto a tree stump, the perpetrator abandoned the truck in the victim’s yard and fled on foot. Multiple police K-9 officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

The homeowner used his phone to take photos of the perpetrator and investigators were able to identify the subject as Loveday.

A photo taken by the homeowner as the subject attempted to flee in a red S-10 pickup. Subject later identified by authorities as David E. Loveday.

Officers followed up on several tips as to where Loveday was living and on Wednesday, officers were able to locate him at a residence on Chilhowee School Road in Seymour. Officers took him into custody without incident.

Loveday has been charged with Felony Theft, Felony Vandalism, Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment and Driving on a Suspended License. He was booked into Sevier County Jail under a $15,000 bond and a hearing in General Sessions Court will be set at a later date.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.