Nashville, TN – A Tennessee State Trooper stopped a suspected stolen vehicle in Cheatham County Monday leading to the arrest of a man facing kidnapping charges in the state of Missouri.
On Monday, February 14th, 2011 at approximately 3:17pm, Trooper Travis Plotzer was traveling westbound on I-40 near mile marker 192 in Cheatham County when he noticed a possible stolen vehicle. After confirming the stolen tag through dispatch, Trooper Plotzer initiated a stop of the vehicle at exit 188 in Kingston Springs. Upon approaching the Mitsubishi, the male driver indicated he had no driver license. After a brief conversation the driver fled on foot but was later apprehended.
THP Troopers Andy Wall and Mark Blasco responded to the scene to assist. Further inventory of the vehicle uncovered numerous items, including radar detectors, trailer hitches, electronic breaking systems and bolt cutters. Due to suspicion that the items in the vehicle were stolen, Trooper Plotzer and THP-Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigators conducted a further interview of the suspect and obtained written consent to search his home in Maury County. There, CID investigators and Maury County Sheriff’s Office detectives discovered stolen property from Duck River Wildlife Management.
Mark Cochran, 42, of Montgomery City, Missouri, is charged with possession of burglary tools, theft, resisting arrest and evading arrest. Cochran is also facing theft charges in Maury County, Tennessee. He is currently facing numerous charges in Missouri, including kidnapping and domestic violence, and was out of that state unlawfully when stopped by Trooper Plotzer.
About The Tennessee Department of Safety
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
