ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Questions are lingering by investigators after a vehicle was found on fire in Ross County.
Authorities discovered a pickup truck fully engulfed in flames on Rapid Forge Road that was reportedly stolen.
Upon arrival, a deputy spoke with the Greenfield Fire Department and a Greenfield Police Officer, who reported that the truck had been driven around a locked cable put in place as a barrier by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to restrict access to the woods.
An investigation ensued, with the deputy taking pictures of the scene. Deputies spoke with the owner who said that someone took the truck without permission.
The police report says an unidentified man had taken the truck without providing further information. The owner, upon further conversation with deputies decided not to file a stolen vehicle report.
The vehicle was towed from the scene. The deputy informed ODNR Central Dispatch Center about the situation, the report cited.
Regarding property damage, the deputy consulted with the US Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District, who requested a copy of the report. It was confirmed that the only damage was the cutting of the lock for fire department access.
The investigation took a new turn when the deputy received a call from a Highland County Deputy.
While transporting the truck’s co-owner to jail on warrants, the latter confessed that he had allowed his friend to take the truck but had not intended for it to be set on fire.
Surveillance footage from the hotel showed a male matching the friend’s description approaching the area where the owners were staying. The footage showed that someone opened the hotel door, providing the person with the keys, after which the person drove away in the truck.
The deputy requested that the case be transferred to the Detectives Division for further investigation.
As of now, no further updates have been provided.
