Update: Man Arrested for Equipment Theft

Update, 2/20/18:

After a lengthy investigation, deputies identified the suspect in this case as Steven Paul Dawson, 33, of Merlin.  Deputies arrested Dawson on January 29, 2018, and lodged him in the Jackson County Jail on one count of first degree aggravated theft.  

At the time the screener was located in Josephine County, additional stolen property was located.  Deputies believe Dawson was likely working with at least one additional suspect whose identity has not yet been determined.

Update, 11/28/17 at 1:08pm: 
The CEC screener has been located on the property of a logging company in Josephine County. Deputies are working to recover the equipment. 

We received several tips in response to our social media posts and news media coverage of this case. Thank you to everyone who kept an eye out, shared our post, and called us with information. 

Deputies will continue to investigate the theft of the screener from Schnitzer Steel on November 20. Further information about the case will be released when appropriate. 

Original release, 11/27/17:

WHITE CITY -- Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies are investigating a theft of equipment from Schnitzer Steel, 2625 Avenue G. On Monday, November 20, 2017, between the hours of 4:00 and 5:00 am, a Construction Equipment Company (CEC) screener was taken from the alley on the west side of the business.

Surveillance images show a white dump truck hauling the CEC screener away. The dump truck was last seen driving west at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Kirtland Road. It appears the thieves used a dolly to hook it up to the dump truck.

The CEC screener is 45 feet long by 10 feet wide and is valued at $250,000. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Deputy Michael Hermant at (541) 774-6801.

Case #17-24314