Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Austin Medford, age 29, of Riverdale on Apr. 30 for charges related to vehicle theft and arson.
The case began when detectives from the Sheriff’s Ag Task Force investigated a reported theft of a tractor used for harvesting hay in the area of Riverdale and Walnut Avenues. Detectives found the missing tractor abandoned less than three miles away near Harlan and Marks Avenues. While at that location, they learned that a Caterpillar 950H Wheel Loader had also been stolen from the property.
Detectives tracked the loader’s tire marks west toward Chateau Fresno Avenue. During their search, dispatchers received reports of a vegetation fire near Chateau Fresno and Mount Whitney Avenues. Deputies, along with Cal Fire – Fresno County Fire personnel, responded to the scene where they found Medford with the Caterpillar Wheel Loader. Firefighters discovered evidence indicating Medford intentionally set dry grass on fire.
Fire crews used several engines and a bulldozer to extinguish the brush fire. No injuries or structural damage were reported as a result of the incident. The two recovered tractors are valued at $180,000.
Medford was booked into Fresno County Jail with bail set at $125,000 for arson and vehicle theft charges.
Authorities encourage anyone with additional information about Austin Medford to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
