CULLMAN COUNTY – A Cullman County woman was arrested and charged with first-degree theft of property on Saturday after she commandeered a Cullman County Sheriff’s Office vehicle and drove it to the Arab Police Department.
According to Sheriff Matt Gentry, a deputy was performing a mental health check on the woman, Heather Ruth Harris, 43, when the incident occurred at a residence in the Joppa community.
“We had received numerous complaints in the area,” Gentry said of Harris’ behavior. “We were there coordinating with the family to try and get her some help.”
At some point, when the deputy was engaged with Harris’ family, Harris was able to get into the CCSO vehicle and drive away.
“We believe she was trying to get to her ‘safe place,’” said Gentry, of why Harris drove directly to the Arab Police Department.
“We were trying to get her the help that she needs,” he said. “There’s a fine line. We face people with all different types of mental issues: true mental issues and drug-induced mental issues.”
Asked why Harris was charged for the offense, Gentry said, ”Sometimes it’s a means to an end. We want her to get the help she needs.”
From the home in Joppa where the incident occurred to the Arab Police Department is less than five minutes, according to the sheriff.
The name of the deputy involved has not been made public.
Harris was also charged with possession of prescription medicine. She remains in the Cullman County Detention Center on a $36,000 bond.
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