A Baxter County man has been arrested in connection with the theft of an ATV and tools from a Midway-area barn, along with items stolen from a local lumber business.
According to Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery, 42-year-old Jamie Lee McCool was taken into custody on March 1 on an outstanding misdemeanor bench warrant while walking in Midway. Hours earlier, deputies had spotted an ATV traveling north on Highway 126 near the Baxter County Regional Airport but lost contact with it.
On March 3, deputies responded to an abandoned ATV and trailer on the Baxter Lab property in Midway. The ATV was identified as the one reported stolen on Feb. 28. A wagon attached to the ATV contained tools, woodworking machines, and other specialized equipment valued at approximately $4,000. Investigators also found a new winch attached to the ATV, though its origin remains unclear.
During the investigation, authorities determined that Tucker Timber and Lumber had been burglarized, and nearly all the items in the trailer were stolen from the business.
McCool, who has prior felony convictions in California, was charged with two felony counts of theft by receiving and faces a habitual offender penalty enhancement. He remains in the Baxter County Detention Center on a $30,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Circuit Court on Monday.
Authorities say McCool is currently homeless.
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