By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Nat Hammer had hoped a surveillance video from his business would help someone identify two thieves who stole catalytic converters from trucks there last week.
Authorities say that’s exactly what happened, and it didn’t take long.
“An anonymous tip came from someone who saw the video on the (Post) Web site,” said Capt. John Sifford of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.
On Monday, Anthony Eugene Williams, 22, and David Clay Trexler, 32, were charged with larceny in connection with the theft of six catalytic converters taken from Hammer Truck Sales at 310 Truck Ave., just off Interstate 85.
Williams was arrested in Spencer on Sunday and charged with stealing catalytic converters.
“We thought if enough people looked at it, someone would know who those guys were,” Hammer said of the video.
Hammer also said he appreciates the Sheriff’s Office investigators and is thankful for the media outlets that posted the video.
“I think that helped tremendously,” he said.
Officers made an identification from the video and matched shoe prints found at the scene to Williams.
During an interview with Williams, authorities say they linked Trexler to the thefts.
Both men have Rowan County addresses, but officers now believe Trexler might live in Winston-Salem.
Trexler was arrested Monday and charged with the thefts.
The suspects were targeting areas along I-85 to steal catalytic converters, a Sheriff’s Office statement said.
Investigators have also linked the suspects to thefts from a U-Haul business in Davidson County. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating that incident. The two are also being charged with stealing catalytic converters and copper wire from Duke Energy in Rowan County.
Hammer said many of the catalytic converters stolen from his business have been replaced.
Trexler remained in the Rowan County Detention Center under $10,000 bond Tuesday. Williams remained in the county jail under $7,500 bond.