BENTON, AR – While having a conversation recently with a Spanish-speaking resident in a local fitness facility, Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Chief Deputy Jay Fitzpatrick was made aware of a theft of equipment that had occurred in the City of Hot Springs in neighboring Garland County.  Chief Deputy Fitzpatrick learned from the man that the thief had stolen his welding machine, tools and trailer, which was worth over $8,000.

Chief Deputy Fitzpatrick passed this information along to SCSO Selective Enforcement Unit (SEU) deputies, who were quickly able to trace the stolen equipment to a location in northeastern Texas.  After traveling to the location in Texas, deputies were able to positively identify the equipment as the victim’s and bring it back to Arkansas.

The following morning, Chief Deputy Fitzpatrick met with the victim and returned the tools and equipment.  SCSO deputies and detectives continue to work with the other involved agencies to investigate what is believed to be a much wider theft ring, which has led to the recovery of approximately $50,000 of property so far.