Akron Man Faces Burglary, Theft Charges
WARSAW — An Akron man faces multiple charges after allegedly stealing an ATV and a tractor.
Donald C. Nelson, 39, 906 South CR 900E, Akron, was arrested on a warrant for two counts of burglary, a level 5 felony; and two counts of theft, a level 6 felony.
On Aug. 6, 2019, police responded to a report of burglary and theft at an undisclosed location in Kosciusko County, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
The victim claimed during a span of time between July 29, 2019, and Aug. 6, 2019, that a Yamaha Warrior ATV and a Dewalt socket set were stolen from his garage. He claimed the ignition had been punched on another ATV.
On Aug. 7, 2019, police spoke again with the victim. He claimed that between August 6 and August 7, someone stole a 2013 blue New Holland tractor from his barn. The tractor was valued at $25,000 said the affidavit.
Also on Aug. 7, 2019, police found someone driving a Yamaha Warrior ATV, matching the description of the missing vehicle, north on CR 175E. The individual claimed to have bought the ATV when speaking with the police. He claimed he purchased the vehicle for $800. He was not aware it may have been stolen. According to the affidavit, the theft victim identified the vehicle as the stolen ATV.
On August 9, 2019, the purchaser of the stolen ATV contacted the police. He claimed Nelson asked to trade a blue tractor for a truck. The purchaser provided the police with Nelson’s address.
Officers received consent from a resident on Nelson’s property to search the woods for the stolen tractor. Police found the tractor in the woods hidden from the view of the roadway. The ignition switch on the tractor had been punched so it could be started with a screwdriver.
Police identified the tractor as the victim’s through tracking the serial number, said the affidavit.
An ATV and a motorcycle were also allegedly found by police on Nelson’s property. They were allegedly stolen from Fulton County.
Nelson claimed he bought the tractor for $2,000.
On March 8, 2020, Nelson was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail with additional charges of possession of methamphetamine and making a false identity statement. The two charges appear to be unrelated to this case, according to the affidavit. His bond is $12,250 surety and cash.