Published: April 24, 2008 05:23 pm         

Device helps track down front-end loader

LoJack theft prevention devices helped officers recover a Hertz Rental tractor near Alvarado after it was stolen from Arlington, Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford said.

Cpl. Wayne Nowell was patrolling the Interstate 35W and Farm-to-Market Road 917 area at 1:45 p.m. April 16 when a LoJack monitoring device installed in his patrol car activated and alerted him to a stolen vehicle.

Hertz Rental reported the heavy equipment had been stolen earlier in the day.

Nowell was assisted by Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jim Gillman, who also had a LoJack monitor in his patrol car.

Nowell and Gillman searched a wooded area near the 1200 block of County Road 810 North and located the 2005 Case tractor front-end loader valued at $50,000.

Using two JCSO patrol vehicles equipped with LoJack devices, deputies have located other stolen vehicles, Alford said.

“We are blessed to have modern technology in our fight against crime in Johnson County,” Alford said. “As always, we are grateful for backup assistance provided by Trooper Gillman and we appreciate a job well done by Cpl. Nowell in the quick recovery and return of the stolen front-end loader to Hertz Rental.”

     

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