From a getaway truck stuck in the mud to a theft victim who ended up arrested, Scioto County deputies had a busy day chasing down thieves and one alleged victim who wasn’t exactly squeaky clean himself.
Otway Prowler Turns Into a Muddy Mystery
Just after 6 a.m., a property owner in Otway called 911 after spotting a white or silver truck lurking on his property via security cameras.
- He told deputies that items had been disappearing from his property recently and asked for an immediate response.
- Because he was two hours away, he sent a neighbor to meet deputies on-site.
When deputies arrived, the neighbor followed them up the driveway — and that’s when the situation escalated.
- Deputies found a truck running near a barn, but when they approached, it took off into a field.
- Rather than risk getting a cruiser stuck in the mud, one officer chased on foot and found the truck bogged down in the woods — empty.
- Deputies ran the VIN and license plate, then impounded the vehicle.
Inside the truck was a mini hardware store of stolen goods, including:
🔋 Multiple car batteries
🔥 Coleman stove & lantern
🪓 Tree stand, hunting blind & deer hanger
🧰 Shop vac, grinder & power tools
🏕️ Solar panel, propane lines & camping gear
🎯 Dart board & can crusher — and even multiple grills.
Police are investigating who the mystery driver was — and how many of these items were taken from other properties.
Wheelersburg “Victim” Lands in Jail
Later that same day, deputies responded to another theft complaint in Wheelersburg.
- The caller said someone stole multiple all-terrain tires, parking lot stencils, a construction barrier, orange cones, and reflective vests.
But this one came with a twist — when deputies ran the caller’s name, they discovered he had an open warrant for violating a protection order.
👉 Instead of tracking down thieves, deputies booked the caller into the Scioto County Jail.