Dallas Lee Stuman, 39, was taken into custody Wednesday after he was determined to be the suspect in the theft of a thermal imaging camera. Stuman was alleged to have taken the camera and a chain saw during a burglary at the Prospect Fire Hall.
The theft occurred sometime between Nov. 16 and Tuesday, according to Bob Gault, media relations coordinator for the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.
The thermal imaging camera was reportedly sold for $50.
According to Gault, the camera was valued at $10,000. It has since been recovered.
The equipment is a multipurpose tool used by firefighters. With its infrared capabilities, a firefighter can determine if a fire victim is trapped inside a smoke-filled burning structure or can also be used to locate hot spots inside walls and ceilings or crawl spaces.
Stuman was charged with burglary and theft over $10,000.
He remains in custody without bond, according to Gault.
• The Prospect Fire Hall was not the only structure in the area of Harrison Pike to be burglarized recently. Cody Dewayne Ballinger, 20, was initially charged with multiple attempts of force entry into Collins Market, according to Gault.
Detectives noted during the investigation, Ballinger allegedly attempted to kick open two doors, pry a lock from the front door and break a hole into an exterior wall.
Three other alleged thefts were also noted and Ballinger has been charged with those as well, according to reports.
An outbuilding located at a Hannah Road residence and a theft of jewelry and medication from two homes located on Lead Mine Valley Road have also been linked to Ballinger as a suspect.
Investigators were able to recover the jewelry, according to Gault.
“Ballinger faces burglary, attempted burglary, theft and vandalism charges,” Gault said.
