Press Release - 11/20/2013 - Mower theft & accident on I-45
Lee Woodward
From:Kristin Edwards
Sent:Wednesday, November 20, 2013 4:30 PM
Subject:HPD, DPS investigating 11-19-13 thefts, traffic accident - press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
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Thanks,
Kristin Edwards, TRMC
Deputy City Secretary
PRESS RELEASE
The Huntsville Police Department is currently investigating the theft of a piece of
City of Huntsville equipment as well as a theft from Johnson’s Wrecker Service.
The department is also working with the Department of Public Safety to investigate
a related traffic accident.
The incidents –which may or may not be related – resulted in a combined total of
$22,000 in stolen property and one injury. Citizens with any information are
encouraged to contact the Huntsville Police Department or Crimestoppers.
“On Tuesday, November 19 during the early evening hours, unknown suspects
forced entry into a fenced area of the City of Huntsville Service Center, removing a
Kubota Zero Turn lawnmower valued at $12,000,” HPD Chief Kevin Lunsford
said. “The suspects loaded the lawnmower onto a trailer or flatbed truck and fled
the scene, traveling north on State Highway 75 North and ultimately onto Interstate
45.
“Apparently, the suspects exited Interstate 45 at FM 1696 where they turned around
and began traveling south on the interstate. Soon after, the lawnmower fell from
the suspects’ vehicle and came to a stop on the interstate itself.”
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According to information from the Department of Public Safety, the lawnmower’s
location on the roadway caused a three-vehicle accident. One person received minor
injuries and was transported to the Huntsville Memorial Hospital by Walker County
EMS.
Also, during the overnight hours, a group of unknown suspects entered property
belonging to Johnson’s Wrecker service by forcing their way through a perimeter
fence.
“Once on the property, the suspects forcibly entered several storage containers and
took several tools including a plasma cutter, a generator, a welder and several
impact tools,” Lunsford said. “The value of the tools taken during this burglary is in
excess of $10,000.”
The Huntsville Police Department may be reached at (936) 291-5480.
Crimestoppers may be reached (936) 294-9494.
Media inquiries :
Lieutenant Curt Landrum
(936) 291-5466
(936) 291-5480
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