Fresno County authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Riverdale man after detectives recovered two stolen pieces of farm equipment and linked him to a vegetation fire, authorities said.

Austin Medford was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft and arson, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. His bail was set at $125,000.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Agricultural Task Force were investigating the reported theft of a hay-harvesting tractor that went missing from the area of Riverdale and Walnut avenues. The tractor was later found abandoned less than three miles away near Harlan and Marks avenues.

While at that location, detectives learned a Caterpillar 950H wheel loader had also been stolen from the property. Investigators followed tire tracks west toward Chateau Fresno Avenue.

During the search, dispatchers received calls reporting a vegetation fire near Chateau Fresno and Mount Whitney avenues. Detectives, patrol deputies and firefighters with CalFire Fresno County responded and found Medford with the stolen wheel loader, authorities said.

Firefighters also discovered evidence that Medford had intentionally set dry grass on fire. Crews used multiple fire engines and a bulldozer to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged.

Authorities said the stolen equipment has a combined value of about $180,000.

Medford was arrested on suspicion of arson and theft of the two tractors.

Got a Tip?

Although an arrest has been made, authorities are asking anyone with additional information about Medford to contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org.

Authorities referenced case No. 26-4923.

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