Two homeless arrested for burglary and theft

Two homeless people were arrested Sunday after they allegedly stole property from Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church on Cripple Creek Loop Road, Rutherford County sheriff’s officers said.

Shannon Pugh, 41, and Candice Brewer, 31, were charged with burglary and theft by Detective Joseph Duncan.

Pugh was arrested on previous charges of aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault and failure to appear in court.

Duncan said a church member saw property in a wooded area near the back of the church and another member saw a person in the area. The pastor notified the Sheriff’s Office.

Sgt. Bryant Gregory reported deputies surrounded the church while Cpl. Scott Martin and K9 partner, Samson, and Deputy Kyle Frazier tracked the suspect. Murfreesboro Police Officer Angela Alexander and bloodhound G-Man joined the search.

“After a multiple K-9 tracks through thick vegetation, rocky terrain and heavy rains, the tracks were terminated,” Gregory reported. “During the tracks, several vigilant community members contacted RCSO dispatch with sightings of the suspects. Candice Brewer was located on Newsome Road by RCSO after receiving calls from citizens.”

Deputies saturated the area on evening shift.

Sgt. Trey Nunley reported K9 Deputy Sarah Blair and K9 Appie, along with Deputies Brittany Manning and Brad Morris located Pugh later in the afternoon.

Both Pugh and Brewer are being held at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center while awaiting court hearings.