BRANCH COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – Saturday, deputies from the Branch County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible breaking and entering in progress at the Branch Solar construction site.
Upon arrival, deputies located two individuals attempting to free a truck that had become stuck in the mud. A trailer attached to the vehicle was found carrying a stolen Polaris Ranger, valued at approximately $35,000.
Further investigation at the scene led to the recovery of a CAT skid steer, reported stolen and valued at $119,000.
The equipment sustained an estimated $6,500 in damage. Deputies also noted that the suspects had forcibly breached the construction site’s perimeter fencing in order to remove the stolen vehicles.
A subsequent search warrant was executed at a nearby residence connected to the suspects. Additional stolen property was recovered, and methamphetamine was seized.
One individual was lodged at the Branch County Jail on charges of possession of stolen property. Additional charges related to larceny, property damage, and drug possession are being pursued.
Good work by the Police catching these thieves we wouldn’t want to slow down the Branch county solar project as they decimate the country side.