DNA From Church Construction Site Leads To Parrish Arrests
Nearly $10,000 worth of tools were stolen from a church construction site in the Walker County City of Parrish earlier this year. A man and a woman are now in custody for their alleged involvement.
DNA evidence collected from the scene and sent to a lab helped Parrish Police identify and arrest 43-year-old Nicholas McAlpine, of Jasper, and 43-year-old Zelma Wright, of Hartselle.
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According to the Walker County District Attorney’s Office, warrants were issued earlier this week on charges of first-degree theft of property. McAlpine turned himself in to Parrish Police on Thursday and Wright on Friday.
The case is still under investigation Parish Police Chief Danny Woodard stated in a Facebook post. He added that more arrests may be possible.
"Property crimes can sometimes be difficult to solve, but the department will continue to work hard on these cases," Chief Woodward wrote. "With a little bit of luck and DNA evidence, we are pleased the warrants have been issued and that the small business owner working in our town is able to get some justice."
Thefts from construction sites continue to be a significant problem in Alabama.
Everything from copper to tools, lumber and even heavy equipment are targets on sites that generally have no overnight security.
Stolen tools can stop construction or force small contractors out of business completely. Construction site thievery can also lead to the company having their insurance premiums increased or cancelled altogether.
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