A man who allegedly tried to steal a tractor to get the truck he drove to the crime scene unstuck was arrested through the help of the alert property owner.

The property owner kept deputies informed by phone as the break-in occurred early Tuesday morning in the Littleton community.

Detective Doug Pilgreen said the property owner's information helped Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Agent Tim Harris and Deputy Danny Radford arrest Thomas Evans Watson, 44, of Roanoke Rapids.

Watson was caught as he allegedly broke into a boathouse and stole several items and then broke into a garage and attempted to steal a farm tractor with a bucket on front and bucket on back.

Watson drove the tractor out of the garage and was apparently going to use it to get his truck unstuck, Pilgreen said.

Radford charged Watson with felony breaking and entering, misdemeanor breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.

He was jailed on $5,000 bond and has a Januray 26 court date.