16 Dec Warning About a Type of Theft That Could Turn Deadly
MAYES COUNTY, Okla., December 16, 2013 – Law enforcement report that over the the weekend about 25 stop signs, yield signs and street signs were stolen from highways and streets in northern Mayes County.
The Mayes County Sheriff’s office is investigating and Captain Rod Howell says “We have a person of interest based on pictures spotted on Facebook. We’re following up on leads, now.”
Mayes County Commissioner Alva Martin brought his concerns on the issue up during a meeting this morning. He says some of the signs have been found, dumped, and crews are working today to reinstall them. Martin says stop signs were also removed along State Highways 69 & 28. The Commissioner says ODOT has been notified.
If an injury or death occurs because street or traffic signs were removed the person, or persons, can be held criminally liable. In a case where someone dies the person who stole the sign could face manslaughter, or possibly second degree murder, charges depending on the facts of the case. Just taking a sign can result in charges of malicious injury to property.
Missing signs can also cost valuable time when emergency crews are responding to a 911 call.
Commissioner Martin says he has crews working now to identify the intersections where the signs were stolen and reinstall them as quickly as possible.
Three defendants near Tampa, FL were sentenced to prison for pulling up a stop sign at an intersection where three teenagers died in a crash a few hours later. Investigators say the three boys drove through the unmarked intersection and were hit by a truck. The defendants were all sentenced to 15 years behind bars in 1997.
Mayes County Commissioner Alva Martin: (918) 785-2449
People with information about this crime can contact the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office: (918) 825-3844
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