PADUCAH – Two Southern Illinois men have been arrested by the McCracken County, KY Sheriff’s Office after breaking into two vehicles at a Paducah apartment complex.

Arrested were 18-year-old Randy Powell of Golconda and 19-year-old Chanton Lee of Elizabethtown. They are lodged in the McCracken County Jail.

According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicles were broken into at the Timber Village Apartments on New Holt Road. A McCracken County resident notified the owners of the vehicles, and they contacted the sheriff’s office for help.

Prior to deputies arriving on scene, one suspect left the scene on foot when he was confronted by one of the owners of the vehicles. The other suspect was detained by deputies in the parking lot area. Deputies patrolled the area attempting to locate the fleeing suspect. The second suspect was located by deputies walking near the area on New Holt Road and he was also detained.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that both suspects were dropped off in the area to unlawfully gain access to unlocked vehicles looking for money.

As a reminder the sheriff’s office continues to encourage everyone to keep their vehicles locked to avoid incidents like this one. Also, thanks to the county resident for being vigilant in reporting the incident.