Location: Visalia

Incident Date: 12/19/23

City: Visalia

Posted by: Media Relations

On December 19, 2023, TCSO Deputies were called to a farm in the 14600 Block of Avenue 344, north of Visalia for a stolen forklift. When Deputies arrived on scene, they were told the suspects broke into the property and stole a Harlo field forklift. Video surveillance shows at least two suspects take the forklift and load it onto a trailer pulled by a white Ford pickup.

Ag Crimes Detectives took over the investigation and learned the pickup had been reported stolen on 12/15/2023 out of Visalia. Detectives also found out the forklift was likely taken south to Kern County.

On 12/22/2023, Detectives learned the forklift may be at an equipment yard in Bakersfield.  Bakersfield Police confirmed the forklift was the one stolen out of Visalia. Bakersfield Police also detained one person believed to be related to the stolen forklift. 

TCSO Detectives went to Bakersfield and served a warrant at the equipment yard, where the forklift was recovered. Detectives also found the trailer used in the theft, which was stolen out of Kern County. 36-year-old Edward Llanas of Bakersfield was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Ryan Pugh or Sergeant Randall Gunderman with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218, or anonymously by calling or texting (559) 725-4125, or via e-mail at tcso@tipnow.com.