Crime & Safety

Public's Help Needed: Identifing Vehicle Could Save Man's Business

Can you identify the vehicle featured here from a video, caught stealing a stump grinder and trailer from the M.S. Gober Store All on Highway 92?

Steve Coley said his expensive stump grinder, trailer and some tools were stolen in broad daylight on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29 at about 1:30 p.m. The crooks took about 12 minutes to cut all of the locks and then drove off with between $45,000 to $50,000 worth of equipment.

"That's how I make a living," Coley said. "That's the only machine I have." And it's the only way Coley has to support his wife and three children. Originally from Douglas County, Coley graduated from Lithia Springs High School in 1986 and moved to Dallas about six years ago.

Coley has been in in business for about 10 years, under the name of Coley Stump Grinding. He sometimes subcontracts for several tree businesses in the area and says he has built up a good reputation over the years. 

Authorities believe the truck may be a Chevy Tahoe, according to Coley. He said the SUVs license plate was covered.

The insurance company has informed Coley that the theft is not covered.

After the theft, Coley filed a report with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and provided the serial numbers of the missing equipment. "The thieves will have a hard time getting rid of the stuff to anyone reputable," Coley said.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Mark Dykes at 770-443-3015.


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