Stolen trailer recovered, tools still missing

A black trailer stolen early this month from the Route 66 Ethanol plant has been recovered, but tools remain missing, police said.

A welder and accessories and other power tools were stolen from the plant. Brian Wink, the trailer's owner, said the tools and trailer have a combined value of about $30,000.

A male called the police department on Sunday to say he thought the missing trailer was one he had seen hidden behind a berm behind the Tucumcari Truck Terminal on West Route 66, Tucumcari Police Chief Roger Hatcher said.

"I'd like to thank the individual who called in, and Crime Stoppers for getting the word out," Hatcher said.

Detectives took the trailer on Sunday and a search warrant was secured today to begin processing the trailer for evidence.

A search warrant was sought so that if someone is brought to trial for the theft, the evidence would not be in question, Hatcher said.

"An enclosed trailer is worth at least $2,000," Hatcher said. "It's fortunate that we've, at least, recovered the trailer."

Someone may have transferred the tools to a different trailer, Hatcher said.

"Now, we're asking people to call us if they saw any suspicious activity around the Tucumcari Truck Terminal since April fourth," Hatcher said.

Police are looking for tips about anything that looked suspicious or any leads about how the trailer got to the truck stop or the missing tools, Hatcher said.

To reach Crime Stoppers call 461-3507. Calls are confidential. A reward up to $4,000 has been offered for tips that lead to conviction in connection with the stolen trailer and tools.