Suspects Sought in Theft of Equipment from Fire Engine Deployed During Santa Ana Winds in Rancho Cucamonga
Investigation Underway
U.S. Forest Service investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying two men who broke into a locked fire engine and stole equipment from a crew standing by for deployments during the Santa Ana wind events across the Inland Empire.
Theft Occurs in Predawn Hours
The theft occurred in the predawn hours of Friday in the 9500 block of Milliken Avenue, near Fourth Street, in Rancho Cucamonga, according to the USFS. A crew assigned to San Bernardino National Forest Engine No. 336 had positioned the truck behind the Hilton Inn Express & Suites for ready deployment to any wildland blaze that might develop in the federal preserve, which encompasses both San Bernardino and Riverside counties, or nearby locations throughout the region.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Suspects
At 3 a.m., two men in a two-door red Jeep Wrangler pulled into the parking lot and parked next to the engine while the crew was away from it, according to agency spokesman Tyler Smith. The pair then forcibly opened three locked compartments of the engine and took a pair of bolt cutters from one of the compartments. They then drove away, leaving the crew to report the incident to authorities.
Security Footage Captures Incident
The entire incident was captured via the hotel’s security surveillance apparatus, said Smith. He added that only the first number on the Jeep’s license plate was readable, beginning with a "6".
Descriptions of Suspects Released
The first suspect was described as a White man, standing anywhere from 5 feet, 7 inches to 6 feet tall, with a "large build and a thin mustache, wearing a black knit hat, red jacket with yellow trim on the shoulders and sides and blue pants". His cohort was described as Latino, 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches in height, with a "husky build, wearing a blue baseball cap with an unknown white logo, blue long sleeve shirt and baggy jeans".
Public Urged to Come Forward
Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigative team at 909-659-5755. The USFS is urging the public to come forward and provide any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
Conclusion
The theft of equipment from a fire engine deployed during the Santa Ana wind events is a serious matter, and the USFS is taking it seriously. The agency is urging the public to come forward and assist in the investigation. By working together, we can bring those responsible to justice and ensure that our brave firefighters have the equipment they need to keep our communities safe.
FAQs
Q: When did the theft occur?
A: The theft occurred in the predawn hours of Friday in the 9500 block of Milliken Avenue, near Fourth Street, in Rancho Cucamonga.
Q: What equipment was stolen?
A: A pair of bolt cutters was stolen from a locked compartment on the fire engine.
Q: What is being done to investigate the theft?
A: U.S. Forest Service investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying the two suspects and are urging anyone with information to contact the investigative team at 909-659-5755.
