The Russell Springs Police Department has made an arrest in connection with burglaries at two Russell Springs businesses recently.
Zachariah T. Bunch, age 29 of Russell Springs, was taken into custody by officer Necessary and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO and theft of a firearm. According to Russell Springs Police Chief Tim Pierce, the police department is seeking additional indictments regarding the burglaries with additional arrests forthcoming.
According to Russell Springs Police, officers responded to a break-in at ACE Hardware in Russell Springs early Sunday morning between 4 and 5 a.m. The suspect reportedly broke through the glass on a side door to enter the building. Officer Kyle Wilson responded to the break-in call and gathered surveillance footage, which led to multiple tips received by the Russell Springs Police Department, Russell County Dispatch, and Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston.
The investigation led a welfare check of a female on West Drive. A family member called in to dispatch asking for a welfare check, as they were concerned about her safety as she currently has a DVO in place. Police officers received consent to search the home and inside found a shotgun that matched the description of a gun stolen from ACE Hardware. Also in plain view was a STIHL brand chainsaw that was found to be stolen from Highway 80 Power Equipment.
Upon further search of the residence, officers recovered two long guns, several battery-powered tools, knives, and flashlights that were stolen from ACE. In total, more than $4900 worth of items were recovered that belonged to ACE, along with more than $1300 worth of items stolen from Highway 80 Power Equipment.
Chief Tim Pierce said the suspect, identified as Bunch, cooperated with law enforcement once items were collected at the residence on West Drive and Bunch took law enforcement to other locations where stolen items were stored.
Officer Necessary was assisted on scene by Russell Springs Police Chief Tim Pierce, Russell Springs Police Officer Sgt. Matt Parrish, KSP Trooper Lucas Justice, KSP Trooper Zach Scott, and Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Phipps.
