A Gaston man was charged Thursday with dispatching a tow truck to allegedly steal a vehicle.

The man, James Donnell Underdue, 38, allegedly made two attempts to steal the vehicle, according to a press release from Chief Deputy Wes Tripp of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

On Tuesday, Corporal W.C. Murphy responded to an attempted larceny call on Redwood Street in the Roanoke Rapids area.

The suspect already left the scene when Murphy arrived.

On Thursday, Deputy J.L. Matthews was sent to the same address. This time the vehicle was stolen after Underdue allegedly had a tow truck pick up the vehicle.

It is unclear why Underdue was determined to get the vehicle, which was returned, Tripp said, adding the tow truck company cooperated with the investigation.

Underdue faces charges of felony attempted larceny of a motor vehicle, obtaining property by false pretense and second-degree trespass.

He was jailed on $4,000 bond and has a November 14 court date.