The Covington Police Department (CPD) says that charges are pending against a “pallet pirate” responsible for the theft of over 400 pallets from a Tennessee business.
Tavares Washington, 48, of Cordova, has been charged with Theft of Property over $10,000, according to CPD.
On August 31, 2025, at approximately 9:07 PM, CPD responded to a commercial alarm at Tractor Supply, located at 975 Hwy 51 North in Covington, Tennessee.
Upon arrival, CPD observed a dark colored pickup truck leaving the rear of the business. Police said that the vehicle matched the description from a previous theft incident that occurred at Tractor Supply on August 7, 2025.
The pickup and trailer were operating without functional running lights.
A traffic stop was initiated at Hwy 51 North and Tennessee Avenue.
The driver of the pickup was identified as Washington, and a passenger was identified as Tara Washington, 47, of Cordova.
Both individuals told CPD they had permission from the Tractor Supply manager to retrieve wooden pallets from the rear of the store.
However, when CPD contacted the manager of the store, they were told that that no one had permission to remove pallets from the property.
“Detectives confirmed the same vehicle, trailer and subject were not only responsible for these two thefts of the pallets but at least four separate thefts with over 400 pallets allegedly being stolen,” CPD said.
“The quick response and attentiveness of our Officers prevented a theft and further loss to Tractor Supply. I commend the staff at Tractor Supply who worked closely with our officers to nab the duo who thought they could continue to blatantly haul off the pallets,” said Chief Donna Turner “The Covington Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and supporting our local merchants. We feel that the duo may be responsible of other similar thefts in the area.”
“The investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending against the pallet pirates,” CPD said.
If you have information, you are asked to call the Covington Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (901) 475-1261.
