UPDATED:Suspect in catalytic converter thefts in custody

UPDATE: – Summerall has been taken into custody at his residence in Jackson County. WCSO and Sheriff Crews would like to thank the public for their assistance.

WASHINGTON COUNTY – Several calls regarding thefts of catalytic converters have been received by the Washington County SheriffÂ’s Office Communication Center recently. 

WCSO Investigators have been working cases of thefts over the last few months and received information that David Summerall, 42, of Cottondale, had been arrested in Bay County on charges of grand theft but has since bonded out. 

According to WCSO, reports allege Summerall had stolen several catalytic converters from different counties then sold the converters across state lines at a scrap yard. Investigators contacted the scrap yard company and confirmed Summerall had sold several catalytic converters.  

Investigators subpoenaed records and found transaction receipts for the converters sold. In an attempt to link Summerall to the thefts, Investigators matched part numbers with transaction sheets from the scrap company.  Confirmation was made on numbers linking Summerall to the catalytic converter thefts at Tri-County Community Council.  

An arrest warrant has been obtained for David Summerall on charges of grand theft. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Summerall or has additional information regarding catalytic converter thefts is asked to contact the Washington County SheriffÂ’s Office at 850-638-6111. You  

may also report anonymously by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or by email at [email protected].