NATCHEZ — Natchez police officers are asking the public’s help in returning several commercial-grade power tools that were discovered Wednesday afternoon.

The tools, Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong said, include a chainsaw, two commercial-grade air compressors, a commercial-grade band saw and a commercial-grade nail gun.

“We are asking the public, especially individuals living in the area of Jefferson Street and North Union Street, to inspect your storage units and sheds to see if you are missing any equipment,” Armstrong said. “Please contact the police department if you have any questions and with serial numbers or proof of purchase to show ownership.”

The tools were discovered approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday when officers patrolling the area of Jefferson Street at North Union Street observed a man pulling a large trash can in the road, Armstrong said.

Officers made contact with the man, who said he was cleaning up trash for Jefferson Street Methodist Church.

“When officers inquired why he was pulling the trash can,” Armstrong said, “the subject stated that he was walking down the street and found the trash can filled with the construction tools and took possession of the trash can.”

Armstrong said the man said none of the items belonged to him and serial numbers of the items were run through the National Crime Information Center, but none of the items received a hit for being stolen.

The man was identified and released, and police secured the tools.