A Susanville man is being held on $20,000 bail today after his attempt to steal power tools from a construction site on Riverside Drive was thwarted by observant members of the community.
According to police reports, at about 6:50 on the morning of February 19th, walkers on the Susan River trail observed what they believed to be suspicious activity at a commercial construction site in the 2900 block of Riverside Drive and called the police.
Officers from the Susanville Police Department responded and began an investigation that showed a burglary and attempted grand theft had occurred.
The officers, with the assistance of the witnesses, were ultimately able to identify a suspect. During the investigation officers learned that the suspect cut locks on at least one construction trailer on site, and began gathering the power tools on a tarp.
“This activity seemed to be suspicious to those in the area.” said Police Chief Tom Downing, “The quick response and reporting to the police prevented the suspect from accomplishing the task of stealing the valuable power tools.”
According to Downing investigators collected evidence, interviewed both witnesses and the suspect. Information gained resulted in the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of 36 year-old Susanville resident Timothy Holbrook. On March 12th, Holbrook was arrested at his residence on First Street and booked into the Lassen County Jail without incident.
“The public played an integral role in this investigation.” said Downing, “Their willingness to report suspicious activity to the authorities was significant in resolving this case.”
The case has been referred to the Lassen County District Attorney’s office for review.
