The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in recovering stolen items from a burglary/theft that occurred sometime between the months of January and March 2016.
The property stolen includes the following all-terrain vehicles (ATV):
- 2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 that is gray in color with front and back utility racks – last 4 numbers of VIN 5074,
- a 2005 Yamaha Raptor 350 which is gray in color and had white scratch on rear fender – last 4 numbers of VIN 0725,
- a Yamaha TTR125 that is blue and white with and FMF brand exhaust pipe,
- various animal mounts, furniture, camping/hunting equipment, antiques and miscellaneous household items.
The burglary occurred from a commercial fenced yard with locked metal storage containers located in the 11000 block of East Wood Drive, Dewey.
The suspect in the case, 29-year-old Tyler Thomas from Dewey, was arrested on May 31, 2016, during a search warrant service at his home in the 1000 block of Stirrup High Drive, Dewey.
Thomas is not cooperating in the investigation. He remains in the Camp Verde Detention Center on a $125,000 bond for charges including Burglary, Theft and Trafficking in Stolen Property. During initial follow-up, deputies discovered Thomas had posted Craigslist ads for the sale of two ATVs belonging to the victim. After extensive follow-up and research involving the Craigslist ads, deputies identified Thomas. Deputies also determined Thomas had a garage sale within the past 3 months on Stirrup High Drive in the Prescott County Club where stolen items were believed to have been sold.
Deputies would like to speak with anyone who had contact with Thomas regarding the sale of stolen items or those persons who may have unknowingly purchased stolen property from Thomas. During the transactions, Thomas misrepresented himself as the owner and made false statements regarding how he acquired the items. Those assisting in the return of these items would become victims in the case and appropriate restitution would be sought. Much of the stolen property also has great sentimental value to the victim.
Anyone with information is urged to contact YCSO at 928-771-3260 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. Refer to case 16-010326. The handling investigator is Deputy Doug Brown.