Husband and wife jailed on theft charges

PHIL CAMPBELL – A husband and wife from Phil Campbell are in custody after attempting to steal prescription medication from an East Franklin residence and for assaulting the homeowner.

Howard Ray Trapp, Jr., 33, and Vanessa Brown Trapp, 41, both of 41 Hyde Road in Phil Campbell, were arrested for first-degree burglary, second-degree robbery and second-degree theft of property.

Vanessa Trapp was additionally charged with second-degree assault with a vehicle and was arrested on an outstanding warrant for third-degree receiving stolen property.

According to investigators with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, the two defendants are charged with breaking into a residence on Franklin 81 in the East Franklin Community about 2 p.m. on Monday.

The homeowner arrived at his residence to find the defendants attempting to steal prescription medication and called law enforcement, officials said.

Investigators said the defendants held the homeowner at gunpoint before trying to flee from the scene.

While trying to escape, Vanessa Trapp attempted to run over the homeowner with her car when he blocked the driveway with his vehicle, officials said.

At press time, both defendants were being held at the Franklin County Jail without bond.