STOLEN BULLDOZER RECOVERED IN FAYETTE CO., SUSPECT ARRESTED

  

A report of a stolen bulldozer led to an arrest on Wednesday in Fayette County.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office says it was informed on Wednesday about a stolen Caterpillar bulldozer reported out of Montgomery County.  Investigator Michael Otten received information indicating that the equipment was located in the West Point area of Fayette County.

Investigator Otten and Deputy Wesley Arrison responded to a property on FM 154 near West Point, where they located the bulldozer behind a residence.

During the investigation, deputies contacted an individual who claimed to own the bulldozer.  According to the sheriff’s office, further investigation revealed that the individual, identified as Andres Riojas of West Point, had provided false information regarding his possession of the equipment.

As a result of the investigation, Riojas was taken into custody for Possession of Stolen Property $2,500 - $30,000 and Tampering with Identification Numbers on Personal Property.

The sheriff’s office says the bulldozer was successfully recovered and released to a representative of the victim.  

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft and transportation of the equipment.

(Mugshot requested via Fayette Co. Sheriff's Office)