Heavyweight Theft: Alabama Man Tried Stealing A 70-Ton Crane, Police Say

CHILTON, AL — A 26-year-old Alabama man was arrested this week after police say he attempted to recruit a tow truck company to help him steal a 70-ton crane.

According to the Chilton County Sheriff's Office, the owner of a towing service contacted authorities Monday after Johnny Kent Mims of Clanton called the business, claiming someone gave him the crane. Mims said he wanted the crane moved out of a wooded area so he could sell it for scrap, police said in a news release.

The owner of the towing service told police he remembered moving the crane for a local company a few years before. They reached out to its owner, who denied giving it away, authorities said. The owner of the towing service then contacted the police.

Mims attempted to flee before police arrived, driving the rig into a ditch where it became stuck, authorities said.

Police arrested Mims the next day on a probation violation and first-degree theft charges.

In their statement, the Chilton County Sheriff's Office thanked the owner of the towing service for their concern.

"We have worked a lot of theft cases over the years, but this one definitely takes first place in the heavyweight category," authorities said.