Location: 1800 Block of E. Fir, Lindsay

Incident Date: 07-01-2018

Case Number: 18-8627

City: Lindsay, Ca

Posted by: Media Relations

On 07-01-2018 Detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff's Office Agriculture Crimes Unit responded to a Property Crimes investigation. 

A Lindsay family was out of town attending a funeral, and when returned home, they discovered most of their household items had been stolen, including appliances, tools, computers, and televisions.  The family told Ag Detectives a family friend, identified as Tyler Watson, had come from Oregon to watch their home and care for the animals (While the family was away). Tyler Watson was unable to be located when the family got home. 

Detectives learned Watson had gone back to Oregon before the family got home. 

Throughout the investigation, Ag Detectives found a welder stolen from the home at a local Pawn Shop. Watson was identified as the seller of the item to the Pawn Shop.

Ag Detectives wrote several warrants for Watson’s internet and telephone accounts.  During an extensive investigation, it was learned Watson sold many of the items to buyers he had contacted on a mobile-driven marketplace applications.  Buyers of the stolen items were identified and a large majority of the property was recovered.  Due to the buyer’s not knowing the items they had purchased were stolen, they were also listed as additional victims in the report.  The property was returned to the victimized family.

A warrant was issued for Tyler Watson for Burglary, Grand Theft, and Grand Theft of a Firearm.

Ag Detectives are currently working with Law Enforcement in Oregon in the apprehension of Watson.

If you have any information related to the above listed case, please contact Detective Nicholson or Sergeant Camacho at (559) 802-9401 or (800)808-0488.  Anonymous information about this crime can be reported via Tipnow, email: tcso@tipnow.net or download the Tipnow app for android or apple phones.