The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man from Natural Bridge Station in connection with a tractor theft and a burglary at a business on South Lee Highway in June.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, Nicholas Stirling Wood, 19, was taken into custody on July 15 and charged with two counts of grand larceny, one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle and one count of destruction of property in connection with the two incidents.
He was released on bond and has a hearing regarding his attorney arrangements in Rockbridge County General District Court on Aug. 7.
According to the press release, deputies with the sheriff’s office responded to the 2800 block of River Road on June 4 for a report of a stolen tractor, processing the crime scene and conducting “an extensive canvass of the area for witnesses and available security or trail camera footage.” The tractor was located on June 9, recovered in an area that was several miles from the site of the original theft. Deputies processed the scene and collected forensic evidence that helped identify possible suspects.
On June 29, deputies responded to a separate incident on the 3300 block of South Lee Highway for a report of a burglary involving multiple tree-trimming trucks. Deputies investigated by processing the scene, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage.
In July, investigators recovered some of the stolen property connected to the thefts and developed information that identified potential suspects. A search warrant was secured for a residence on Cherry Tree Lane in Natural Bridge Station, and additional stolen property linked to the investigation was recovered in the search. Evidence was also discovered that the suspects from the tractor theft were connected with the commercial vehicle burglary. The combined value of property that was either stolen or damaged during the two incidents is estimated to be approximately $60,000.
“This case highlights the dedication and persistence of our deputy sheriffs,” Sheriff Tony McFaddin said in the press release. “Through careful crime scene processing, forensic evidence collection, and follow-up investigations, our deputies were able to connect multiple incidents and recover stolen property. We remain committed to holding offenders accountable and protecting the citizens and businesses of Rockbridge County and Lexington city.”
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information related to these cases is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office at (540) 463-7328. ...
