3 arrested for alleged involvement in theft of trailer, construction equipment
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IDAHO FALLS — Three suspects were arrested Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the theft of a trailer and construction equipment over Thanksgiving weekend.
Carl Eckenrode Jr., 41, Joseph Herrera, 33, and Lisa Ritchie, 27, were taken into custody in Idaho Falls after detectives observed them moving items that matched the description of those stolen from a residence on Hollipark Drive into a vehicle registered to Ritchie.
Construction equipment, including a trailer and more than $60,000 in tools, was stolen from a job site at the Bridgewater Estates subdivision. The trailer was later discovered but the tools had been emptied.
Deputies seeking information about stolen tools and trailer from construction site
Police reports show that authorities located the suspects after discovering surveillance footage from the construction site and receiving tips from the public.
Deputies made a traffic stop on the vehicle near Anderson Street in Idaho Falls and discovered Eckenrode and Herrera inside the vehicle along with multiple items matching the descriptions of those stolen. Officers got a warrant to search the Hollipark Drive residence and uncovered further stolen items. While at the residence, Ritchie was taken into custody.
Further investigation led detectives to Ashment Avenue where a truck registered to Eckenrode was taken into police custody after it was determined to match the vehicle observed in surveillance footage.
During the booking process, Eckenrode was also found to be in possession of just under two grams of methamphetamine and was also booked on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, and introducing contraband into a correctional facility.
Herrera was also found to have an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court regarding his alleged involvement in burglaries spanning two months at the Walmart on Utah Street. Herrera and a female accomplice are alleged to have returned unpurchased items on seven separate occasions, amounting to $438.79.