Tyler Joe Wheeler
A 31-year-old Mountain Home man arrested on theft and drug charges on May 28 told authorities he “got a good deal” when found with stolen merchandise that day.
Tyler Joe Wheeler was arrested on charges of breaking or entering, theft of property, possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, possession of a schedule 1 or schedule 2 controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, all of which are felonies. He also faces a habitual offender penalty enhancement. Wheeler was released from the Baxter County Detention Center on a $17,000 bond on Tuesday.
Wheeler’s troubles began when he was reportedly seen going through a boat on another person’s property. The suspect was reported to be riding around on a three-wheeler and carrying fishing poles. During the investigation, authorities learned multiple structures in the area had been broken into and Wheeler was developed as a suspect.
The victim of a reported theft on May 26 informed authorities his outbuilding had been broken into and two other witnesses identified Wheeler being at his father’s residence that day, which borders the victim’s property. The witnesses also stated Wheeler and the victim had previous issues with each other in the past.
When confronted by authorities about the alleged thefts, Wheeler claimed he bought a chainsaw from a man named “Pete”, who was selling tools out of his trunk at a local gas station. Wheeler also claimed his wife was with him at the time he bought the saw, valued at $499 retail, for just $50.
Wheeler could not provide “Pete’s” last name and was asked by authorities if the low price was suspicious, which Wheeler allegedly replied, “he knew it was a good deal.”
Further investigation revealed that Wheeler’s wife had given birth in the previous days and could not have been with him, like Wheeler claimed. Other stolen items from the location – another chainsaw, a leaf blower and a trimmer – were never located and Wheeler refused to provide any details of the item’s location to law enforcement. The value of the stolen items was $1,400.
Wheeler would be arrested by Sheriff’s Department investigators when he was found sitting in a vehicle at a gas station. During the arrest, authorities located a white plastic bag containing pills, a small baggie with a white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine and a glass pipe with white residue, all of which were allegedly in Wheeler’s pocket.
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