Two Rensselaer men have been arrested for stealing anhydrous ammonia at a property in Pulaski County.
The owner of a farming operation reportedly spotted 36-year-old Brandon Scott Hitt and 41-year-old Michael Kasnick, Jr. stealing anhydrous ammonia from a tank on the property. Two Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the scene and were told that the suspect’s vehicle was traveling with its headlights off on a county road near the scene.
The deputies located the vehicle and engaged in a short pursuit. With the assistance of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, Hitt and Kasnick were arrested without further incident.
The pair were questioned about the incident and allegedly admitted to throwing the stolen ammonia out of the window during the pursuit. They also allegedly admitted to stealing anhydrous ammonia from that property in the past.
Anhydrous ammonia is an ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Brandon Hitt and Michael Kasnick, Jr. were arrested on a preliminary charge of Theft. The case has been forwarded to the Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office for further review. Bond has been set at $20,000.
This incident concludes a three-month investigation by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.
