McCracken County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two men and charged them with theft, drug and gun offenses following a theft from residence located in the Reidland area of McCracken County.
Deputies responded at 3:35 p.m. Sunday to a residence on Nickel Heights in reference to a burglary. Upon arrival deputies learned that someone had entered the residence and stole numerous firearms, money and prescription medication. During the investigation deputies identified Joshua Gaia, 28, of Paducah as a potential suspect. Gaia, who was not present, had also been living at the residence where the theft had occurred.
Deputies later located Gaia and Zachary Mitchell, 27, of Calvert City at a mobile home located at 4131 Clarks River Road. Mitchell was observed exiting the mobile home with a rifle case and placing it in a car. Mitchell was detained. Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and located numerous firearms that had been stolen earlier in the day, methamphetamine packaged for sale, scales, money and the prescription medications that had also been reported stolen.
At one point during the investigation Mitchell attempted to flee on foot, but quickly was caught by deputies. One of the deputies suffered a hand injury when tackling Mitchell to the ground.
The investigation revealed that Mitchell is a convicted felon and unable to lawfully possess a firearm.
Police charged Mitchell with first-degree fleeing or evading police, trafficking in methamphetamine, receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Gaia was charged with theft by unlawful taking (firearm), possession of methamphetamine and theft of a
controlled substance.
Both Mitchell and Gaia were lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail. The investigation remains ongoing.