MERCED - On August 06, 2018, the Merced Police Department (MPD) responded to a business in the 1700 block of Grogan for a burglary report. Officers arrived and contacted the business owners. The business owner reported that a truck and trailer had been stolen from their business. The stolen trailer had been taken with two riding lawn mowers and several other pieces of commercial lawn maintenance equipment. The total loss to the business was estimated at over $30,000.00.

MPD Detective John Pinnegar immediately began working with patrol officers and they identified the suspect as David Anthony Allen of Merced. Through his investigation, Detective Pinnegar discovered that Allen had stolen the truck and trailer with all the lawn equipment.

Detective Pinnegar was able to locate Allen and take him into custody. Allen refused to tell Detective Pinnegar what he had done with the stolen lawn equipment. After the interview Allen, he was booked into Merced County Jail for burglary and auto theft.

After booking Allen, Detective Pinnegar continued his efforts to locate the stolen property in this case. Detective Pinnegar tracked the stolen trailer and riding lawn mowers to Chowchilla, The stolen property was recovered and turned over to the business owner.

Allen was last arrested and booked by MPD on February 22, 2018. This arrest was in relation to charges of identity and auto theft.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Detective John Pinnegar at (209) 388-7712.