Location: 17000 Block Ave. 152

Incident Date: 11/24/23

City: Porterville

Posted by: Media Relations

TCSO Detectives Bust Serial Ag Thief

On 11/24/23, TCSO Deputies were called to an Ag equipment yard in the 17000 Block of Avenue 152 in the Porterville area for two stolen flat bed trailers loaded with metal irrigation piping. The victim told Deputies the stolen trailers and pipe had a total value of $28,000. One of the trailers and most of the pipe was quickly found and recovered in the Porterville area. Through their investigation, Deputies identified 48-year-old Russell Burnham Macomber as the suspect. On 11/28/23, Macomber was arrested for the theft. This is the second time in the last six months that Macomber has stolen irrigation pipe and trailers from the same victim.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Ag Detective Steve Boertje or Sgt. Zamora with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218. Or, they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559) 725-4194 or through email at TCSO@tipnow.com.