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Suspect Sought In Truck, Riding Mower Thefts At Redlands School

REDLANDS (CBSLA.com) — Investigators sought the public's help on Friday in locating a man suspected in two thefts at a Redlands school.

Police identified Patrick Sean Mitchell, 39, of Lake Arrowhead, as a suspect in the thefts of metal and wood shop tools, a pickup truck and a riding mower from Grove School in the 11000 block of Iowa Street.

The first theft occurred during the night or early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 27, or Monday, Aug. 28 when the thief forced entry into the school's metal and wood shop, stealing a welder, drill press, drills, routers, saws and other miscellaneous power tools, valued at more than $4,000.

About a week later, during the night or early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 1, or Sunday, Sept. 2, a thief stole a yellow 1973 International pickup belonging to an instructor at the school and a riding mower from the same location.

San Bernardino Police recovered the stolen truck on Sept. 4 at a residence on 44th Street in San Bernardino and notified Redlands Police.

Through investigation, Redlands Police identified Mitchell as the suspect in possession of the stolen truck in San Bernardino.

Investigators also located some of the stolen property at a pawn shop in San Bernardino and again identified Mitchell as the man who pawned the stolen property.

Mitchell, who is on parole for grand theft auto and wanted for violating the terms of his parole prior to the thefts, has reportedly been seen in Redlands and San Bernardino.

Anyone who sees Mitchell is asked to call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information regarding the location of the additional stolen property or Mitchell's whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Andy Capps at (909) 798-7642 or Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword "REDTIP."

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