LOGAN — A 42-year-old Smithfield man has been arrested for allegedly stealing from a Hyde Park business back in September, according to law enforcement. Bryan Dean Buhler was booked Thursday into the Cache County Jail after a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
According to the warrant affidavit, North Park Police officers were called to the business on Sept. 20. The alleged victim claimed an individual had stolen a raw black walnut log from their lot. The log was valued between $2,000 and $5,000.
The general manager of the business provided officers with surveillance footage from the night before. It showed a white pickup truck drive through the area several times. It later captured a telehandler forklift with the log on it.
Police learned the telehandler had been taken from a nearby construction site without permission of the owner. The lift was recovered by employees in a nearby field.
Officers identified the suspect as Buhler, based on the uniqueness of the stolen item and the registration of the white pickup, the affidavit detailed.
Police later located the stolen lumber at one of Buhler’s relatives, who said the wood was found in their pasture. The property owner, general manager and telehandler owner each signed written statements outlining that they had never allowed Buhler to access their properties.
On Sept. 25, Buhler reportedly contacted the police department and left a message claiming that he rightfully purchased the log he apparently stole. Since that time though, police had attempted to contact him multiple times but he would not respond.
Jail records show Buhler was charged with theft and wrongful appropriation, both third-degree felonies. He was later released on $10,000 bail. An arraignment hearing has not been scheduled yet.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
will@cvradio.com