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Column of Smoke Leads to Stolen Property

OAKHURST — On Saturday July 2, 2022 shortly before 6am, Madera County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Williams and Deputy Murphy were driving into Oakhurst when they observed a column of smoke coming from a wooded area near Victoria Lane and CA-41.

The officers were able to trace the origin of the smoke to an encampment occupied by two adult females. While on scene, Deputies noticed large sections of plastic wire sleeves and several feet of cut copper wiring on the ground. Upon further inspection of the campsite, 6 electric car charging handles were located that matched charging cables that were recently stolen from a nearby electric vehicle charging station.

Image ID: a picture of the encampment. The stolen property is strewn about on the ground. End ID.

Stolen property discovered at Oakhurst encampment. Photo credit Madera County Sheriff’s Office

MCSO Detectives were notified and the investigation is ongoing. Both females were booked into the Madera County Jail on charges of possession of stolen property.

Image ID: A picture of Tyson Pogue, Madera County Sheriff-Coroner, a smiling man posing for a picture in uniform. There is an American and California Republic flag in the background. End ID.

Tyson Pogue, Madera County Sheriff-Coroner

Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue comments, “I applaud the quick response of Corporal Williams and Deputy Murphy. Thanks to their proactive efforts, valuable stolen property was recovered and a potentially significant fire danger was circumvented.”

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact our office at (559) 675-7770.

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