Wagoner County Sheriff's Office Arrest Stolen Red Bird Fire Trucks Suspect

A suspect has been arrested related to stolen fire trucks from volunteer departments.

The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office says John Moats Jr., 32, stole the trucks from Red Bird Fire and stripped them of valuable firefighting equipment.

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"It is a shock to the conscious that someone would steal fire trucks from a volunteer fire department. Those firemen use that equipment to save lives, and they do that important work for free," said Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott.  

Elliott says investigators conducted an undercover operation and some of the fire truck equipment was recovered. 

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"My Deputies and Investigators have been doing some good work on this case to bring those responsible to justice. It is our belief that Mr. Moats did not work alone. Saying that, I do anticipate more arrests as the investigation continues," says Sheriff Elliott. 

Moats is being held on several complaints including 2nd-degree burglary, theft of an automobile, and knowingly concealing stolen property. He is being held on a $20,000 bond and is also connected to a fire truck theft in Liberty.

The Red Bird Fire Chief says they’ve collected more than $6,000 in donations to help them get back on their feet.

"For right now, we've borrowed a truck from a local fire department," said Brody Morris, the volunteer department’s Chief.

Morris says they one truck already back in service, and they expect to have their second one in the next three to four weeks. Elliott believes there are more suspects out there.