A Casey County man was arrested on Saturday after he was caught on video attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a church van.

44 year old Christopher J. Elkins, of Liberty, was seen on surveillance footage walking up to the van at Dunnville Baptist Church on Saturday. Elkins was wearing camouflage pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and a mask. He laid on the ground under the van for a brief moment before walking away.

A neighbor who lives near the church also had surveillance footage of Elkins' vehicle. The footage showed Elkins' car driving away from the church heading south on US 127.

Dispatch notified Russell County law enforcement to be on the lookout for Elkins' vehicle. A short time later, Russell County Sheriff's deputies located Elkins' vehicle at the Dollar General store on US 127.

Deputies made contact with Elkins and asked him what he was doing at the church. Elkins initially said he was looking for water, but then admitted that he had intended on cutting off the catalytic converter from the van. Elkins said that his conscience got the best of him and he decided not to steal the converter.

Elkins was arrested and charged with attempted theft by unlawful taking (over $500), and possession of burglary tools. He was transported to the Casey County Jail.

Casey County Deputies Jake Atwood, Tyler Luttrell, & Austin Harris investigated.