Jimmy Alsman, his wife Angie Phipps, and their daughter’s boyfriend George Jester were charged with theft of property last month.

Husband Jimmy Alsman, 39, his wife, Angie Phipps, 35, both of Rock Island, Tenn., and their daughter’s boyfriend, George Jester, 18, of Nashville, were charged with theft of property last month, said Detective Bryant Gregory. Alsman was also charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools.

A fourth suspect, Laclerous Lee McKissack of Nashville, is wanted for theft, the detective said. People who have information on McKissack’s location are asked to call Gregory at 904-3054.

Gregory and Detective Steve Kohler launched the investigation after several owners complained disabled vehicles were stolen. In some case, the owner’s vehicle broke down on the way to work. When returning after work, the vehicle was stolen. They found the cars were moved by wreckers, car doilies and straps hooked up to another vehicle.    

The suspects were accused of stealing some 30 disabled vehicles left on Interstate 24 and delivering the vehicles to Express Auto Recyclers on Dick Buchanan Street in La Vergne where they were salvaged immediately, Gregory said.

“The chance of recovery was slim to none,” Gregory said.

A title is not required for salvage if the vehicle is at least 10 years old.

“They (the suspects) know the system,” Gregory said. “They don’t have to have paperwork to show it’s theirs.”

To prevent the theft, Gregory recommended the owners get the vehicle towed immediately rather than leaving it on the side of the highway. If the vehicle must be left, the detective suggested the owner should call the sheriff’s office at 898-7770 to report the disabled vehicle for documentation.

When Alsman and Phipps were arrested, her 6-year-old daughter was present. Department of Children’s Services’ employees took the girl into custody.

Phipps was released on bond. Alsman and Jester remain at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center while awaiting court hearings.