On Monday night, December 25, 2023 Columbia Police Dept. Officers responded to the Adair County Regional Jail just after 9:30pmCT after a report of a suspicious male and vehicle parked in front of the facility on Greensburg Street.

Upon arrival, CPD Officers made contact with the driver, identified as 48-year-old Joseph Shafer of Columbia, KY and determined he was under the influence.The vehicle Mr. Shafer was driving was a State Highway Department truck which had sustained visible damage to its body. The Highway Department was notified and that's when Officers learned that Shafer had stolen the truck from the Highway Dept. on Campbellsville Street, driving through a locked gate and causing damage to Highway Dept. property and to the stolen truck.

Joseph Shafer was charged with public intoxication, criminal trespassing 3rd degree, criminal mischief 1st degree, and theft by unlawful taking (automobile). He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Officer Elliot Smith made the arrest and was assisted by Sgt Justin Cross and Deputies Jason Camfield and Derek Padget.