Law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help locating a white male and a Ford Ranger, seen in these Sept. 19 photos from surveillance footage, believed to be involved with multiple thefts in Jerome Township. (Photo submitted)
Officials from the Union County Sheriff’s Office are asking the public for help identifying and locating suspects and a vehicle believed to be involved in multiple thefts last month.
Law enforcement officials believe that in the early morning hours of Sept. 19, a white male in a black Ford Ranger was involved in several thefts in southeastern Union County.
In surveillance footage from one of the scenes, the man with the truck are seen committing one of the alleged thefts about 3:11 a.m. in the Dublin Green area in the 6000 block of state Route 161.
Lt. Michael Justice of the Union County Sheriff’s Office said there were “several incidents that we believe are related, due to the timing and proximity.”
Investigators said mowers, construction tools and scrap metal were taken.
Justice said he believes that from the photos, people in the area will be able to identify the man and the truck. He said there is a noticeable area of chipped paint near the passenger side door.
“I think that if we can get a lead on this and who this is, we can solve multiple incidents,” Justice said.
The officer said residents and business owners in the area know what vehicles belong in the area and which are out of place.
“We are able to solve a lot of crimes, with tips from the public and stopping to talk with people about why they are in the area,” Justice said.
Sheriff Jamie Patton called the public “one of our best investigative tools.”
“All it takes is one person who recognizes the person in the picture and knows they drive that kind of vehicles and we are able to get a lead and solve a crime,” Patton said.
Justice said that while they are the same type of vehicle, there is “no reason to believe” the Ford Ranger involved in the Jerome Township thefts and the chase in Marysville that ended in Logan County are the same.
Those with information are asked to contact Lt. Jeff Stiers at (937) 645-4126 or jstiers@co.union.oh.us or Detective Shawn Golden at (937) 645-4101 ext. 4443 or sgolden@co.union.oh.us.