Kentucky police find a stolen excavator and drugs following a traffic stop

The Corbin Police Department found a stolen excavator at a suspect’s home after they showed up to execute a search warrant, police say.

Police said they got the search warrant for the suspect’s residence after officer Caleb Hester found methamphetamine and marijuana during a traffic stop. The home was off Gordon Hill Pike in Whitley County.

At the residence, investigators found a stolen mini excavator that was reported stolen in Hazard, Corbin Police Chief Rusty Hedrick said. It is unknown if the excavator was used at the residence.

The search of the residence also found heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription medication, bags and scales, according to a Facebook post made by the department.

The department was working to find out who the excavator belongs to and where it was stolen from, Hedrick said. The excavator will be returned to the owner.

This story was originally published May 22, 2023 at 2:08 PM.