State police seek public’s help in ID of heavy-equipment thieves

Virginia State Police say two men wanted for heavy equipment theft in Augusta County traveled through the region last week, and they are seeking the public’s help in identifying the pair, who may also be involved in similar crimes in Maryland.

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corrinne Geller said in a press release Monday morning that the VSP is investigating the theft of several pieces of heavy-duty equipment from a Stuarts Draft, Va. dealer.

Two skid steers and front-end loader tractor were stolen the evening of Friday, Dec. 28 around 8:30 p.m. A white Ford pickup truck and a Dodge pickup truck (both towing heavy-duty trailers) were used to steal the equipment, according to the release.

Geller stated that the Dodge pickup truck became disabled on the side of Interstate 81 around 11 p.m. Friday evening, near Strasburg. Investigators believe the Ford truck picked up the Dodge truck’s driver and they continued north on I-81.

Investigators say evidence points to a gas station in New Market, Va., where the two men suspects fueled up the white Ford pickup truck. That Ford ruck has a Texas license plate of TX-296346.

Image of suspects wanted in suspected theft of heavy-equipment Friday night.

Geller said the Virginia State Police is conducting the investigation in connection with Maryland State Police for a similar theft investigation ongoing there.

Anyone with information about these two individuals or the Stuarts Draft theft is asked to call Virginia State Police at 434-352-7128 or #77 on a cell phone or area17@vsp.virginia.gov.