Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Missing Tonto National Forest Cargo Trailer Located

Forest Service law enforcement officers announced today that an 18-foot cargo trailer, one of the items stolen from the forest on Jan. 20, has been recovered. The cargo trailer was found by DPS officers off I-17 at Buckeye Road, and is now being processed by Maricopa County law enforcement officers for return to the Cave Creek Ranger District administrative office.

“This is great news.” stated Lisa Lewman, Forest Service Special Agent. “This recovered trailer location will help us zero in on a specific part of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area for further searches. We have received tremendous support from a number of OHV/ATV groups whose members are highly concerned about this theft. This information will also help them narrow their search as well as they continue to assist us in the recovery of these items.”

Forest Service law enforcement officers continue to request assistance from the public in the recovery of two Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and assorted Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) supplies and equipment. The items were stolen the night of Tuesday, Jan. 20th, from the storage yard at the Cave Creek Ranger District administrative offices in Scottsdale.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information which will lead to recovery of the stolen property and or the apprehension of the persons responsible for the crime.

A detailed description of the stolen equipment:
- Two 2007 dark green Polaris Sportsman 800 ATVs
- Approximately 300-400 Forest Service OHV maps, Bendix King Radio batteries, several 300-person First Aid kits, numerous Bell helmets and orange safety vests marked with “OHV AMBASSADOR” across the back.

If you have any information, please contact Forest Service Special Agent Lisa Lewman.