FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — A man was arrested after two separate tractor thefts and a brush fire on Wednesday in Fresno County.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office says detectives with the Ag Task Force were investigating the theft of a stolen tractor that is used for harvesting hay near Riverdale and Walnut Avenues in Riverdale.
Detectives were able to find the tractor abandoned less than three miles away near Harlan and Marks Avenues, but while investigating the scene they found out a Caterpillar 950H Wheel Loader had been stolen from that property.
Detectives followed tire tracks that were leading west towards Chateau Fresno Avenue.
While searching, 911 calls started coming in of a brush fire in the same area near Chateau Fresno and Mount Whitney Avenues.
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Detectives, patrol deputies and firefighters with Cal Fire/Fresno County Fire all responded and found 29-year-old Austin Medford of Riverdale with the Caterpillar Wheel Loader.
Firefighters also found evidence that showed Medford had lit dry grass on fire on purpose.
Fire fighters had to use multiple fire trucks and a bulldozer to extinguish the fire.
Nobody was injured and no structures were damaged by the fire.
Medford was arrested for arson, as well as the theft of the two tractors, which are valued at a total of $180,000.
If you have additional information about Austin Medford, you can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111.
Tips may also be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org
You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Reference case #26-4923