(UNDATED) – One person is in custody after a break in at the Branch County Solar Site.

Branch County Sheriff Fred Blankenship says on Saturday, his office responded to a report of a possible breaking and entering in progress at the Branch Solar construction site. Deputies arrived and found two individuals trying to free a truck that had become stuck in the mud. A trailer attached to the vehicle was carrying a stolen Polaris Ranger, valued at approximately $35,000.

Further investigation at the scene led to the recovery of a CAT skid steer, reported stolen and valued at $119,000. The equipment sustained an estimated $6,500 in damage. Deputies also noted that the suspects had forcibly breached the construction site’s perimeter fencing in order to remove the stolen vehicles.

A search warrant was obtained and executed at a nearby residence. Additional stolen property was recovered and methamphetamine was also seized.

An individual was taken to the Branch County Jail and lodged on charges of possession of stolen property. Additional charges including larceny, property damage and drug possession are being pursued.

Blankenship says this incident underscores the serious impact of property crimes on local businesses and infrastructure projects. He says the Branch County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our community through proactive enforcement and continued collaboration with area partners.