A Thermal man was arrested on Monday after police say they found stolen forklift and windmill machine equipment in a truck he was driving.
A deputy assigned as the Thermal Station Agriculture Liaison located a green 1997 Dodge Ram being driven by Adrian Barajas in the area of Avenue 64 and Pierce Street a little after 7 pm, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to yield and continued onto a dirt road.
The deputy located the vehicle and Barajas attempted to flee over a fence, but was quickly detained. A search of the vehicle revealed stolen forklift and windmill machine equipment in the bed of the truck.
Barajas, who was out on bail on three felony theft cases spanning across San Diego and Riverside County, was taken into custody.
An investigation revealed Barajas had stolen a forklift, removed parts, and also removed components from a windmill machine from a nearby ranch.
