Deputies arrest teens in 4-wheeler theft ring
A major four-wheeler theft ring was busted last week as a chance encounter with two suspects by lawmen led to toppling the entire operation.
Charged are Billy Blake Bowdoin, 18, of Morrison, along with two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old. Lawmen have not released the names of the underage boys due to their status as juveniles.
The suspects face multiple counts, including theft over $1,000 for a slew of all-terrain vehicles stolen since the beginning of the year. In all, lawmen believe they have cleared at least nine cases, and could clear more as they keep finding stolen four-wheelers.
“They stole them from Dibrell to Viola and then stashed them at various places from homes to wooded areas,” said Sheriff Jackie Matheny. “Our investigators worked all night Thursday recovering the vehicles.”
The bust happened after investigator Patrick Ray pursued and caught two of the juvenile suspects who he saw riding one of the stolen four-wheelers near Crisp Springs Market Thursday. Soon afterwards, the other two teens were linked to the theft ring and lawmen began recovering the stolen ATVs.
“This was a well-organized theft ring,” Matheny said. “We believe they were planning to sell them for profit. We know they had already sold at least one. They would actually scout them out and then steal them by pushing them away from the residence and either load them on a truck or drive them off.”
Matheny noted there have been 18 four-wheelers stolen since the first of the year, many of which can be linked to the group just arrested. Given the numerous thefts, Matheny pointed out the teens had little trouble stealing the four-wheelers.
“Most of the ones they stole had the keys in the ignition and were left in plain sight,” Matheny said. “Now they cut a chain on at least one of them, but for the most part they looked for the ones which were easiest to take.”
Matheny said given the rash of four-wheeler thefts, owners are urged to lock and/or chain their four-wheelers, park them out of view of the general public if possible, and to record serial numbers and even have photos of their ATVs.
“The best idea is make them as hard to steal as possible to discourage thieves,” Matheny said, noting the investigation into the theft ring is ongoing.
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