Man arrested after attempting to steal Sale Creek family’s Christmas

Derrick Starnes (From: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)

SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office says they have arrested a Sale Creek man who attempted to be the Grinch this Christmas.

The Sheriff’s Office says that shortly before 6 last night, deputies responded to a burglary on the 500 block of Leggett Road.

The victim reported that the suspect forced entry through a rear door window and stole all their family’s Christmas presents and other items.

After an investigation, deputies were led to a Detour Road home where they encountered the suspect, Derrick Starnes.

Deputies say Starnes had stolen children’s toys in plain view in his front yard and truck. 

All of those stolen gifts were returned to their rightful owners.

Starnes however is spending his Christmas Eve in jail and faces four charges including aggravated burglary.