(Harlan, Ky.) – On December 6, 2015 at 08:30 a.m. Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan received a call of a vehicle theft in Harlan County. Trooper Kenneth Sergent responded to the initial complaint and discovered that a 2010 Ford Mustang had been stolen.
The vehicle was entered into the NCIC data base system as stolen. At approximately 09:13 a.m. Trooper Chris Pruitt observed a black Ford Mustang travelling south on U.S. 119 in Bell County. Tpr. Pruitt attempted to stop the vehicle on U.S 119 and the vehicle failed to yield. Tpr. Pruitt called in pursuit of the vehicle. The operator of the mustang turned right onto Ky 1534 in the Page community of Bell Co. and Tpr. Pruitt lost sight of the mustang. The vehicle was located on E W Miracle Rd abandoned a short time later and then returned back to its owner.
K.S.P. Post 10 was contacted at 09:30 a.m. of a strong arm robbery in the area where the mustang was located. The owner of the residence said the suspect kicked in her back door and demanded her purse and the keys to her vehicle. While giving the suspect the items, he forced open the door and struck the victim, causing minor injuries to her arm. The suspect then fled the scene in the victim's 2004 black Chevy Impala. This vehicle was later located abandoned at an atv park in Bell County. The suspect has been identified by a tip called into Post. He is the suspect in three other vehicle thefts occurring in Harlan and Bell County on December 6, 2015.
The suspect may be possibly driving a 2002 Jeep Wrangler, black/tan in color at this time. The jeep has an Ohio State Buckeye tag on the front of the vehicle.
Tpr. Pruitt has obtained an arrest warrant for Gary J. Mills, 27, of Barbourville. Mr. Mills is a white male, 5’10’’, 150 pounds, red hair, and blue eyes. Last seen wearing brown coveralls and a camouflage hat. Anyone with information about where he may be located is asked to contact Post 10 Harlan at 606-573-3131. Do not approach Mr. Mills if you come in contact with him.
Case is still under investigation by Tpr. Chris Pruitt. Pineville Police Department and Bell County Sheriff’s Department also have cases on Mr. Mills for vehicle theft.
Pictured is Gary J. Mills.
