POCATELLO, Idaho — A 61-year-old Pocatello man is facing serious felony charges after police say surveillance footage connected him to the theft of nearly $1,700 worth of tools from a pickup truck parked at a local storage facility.
According to police and court records obtained by the Idaho State Journal, Lonnie Lee Haggard was arrested last month on charges of burglary and grand theft stemming from an incident reported in mid-October at a business park and storage facility on Wilson Avenue.
Theft Reported After Truck Left Parked for Weeks
The investigation began on Oct. 19 when the victim contacted police to report that his gray 1984 Dodge pickup had been burglarized. The truck had been parked at the storage facility for approximately two weeks before the theft was discovered.
The victim told officers that when his brother last drove the vehicle, several toolboxes and power tools were secured in the truck bed. When he returned, multiple items were missing.
Surveillance Video Plays Key Role
Surveillance footage from the storage facility proved critical to the case. Police say the video shows a man later identified as Haggard walking around the complex, peering into several vehicles before approaching the victim’s pickup truck.
The footage allegedly captured Haggard climbing into the truck bed and removing numerous items, including two distinctive yellow DeWalt tool bags. Investigators say he made several trips, loading the tools into his own vehicle before leaving the area.
Police reported that the stolen property included power tools, batteries, chargers, socket sets, and various hand tools with a total estimated value of about $1,700. Items listed in the report include a DeWalt circular saw, planer, oscillating tool, multiple batteries and chargers, a Craftsman toolbox, a 192-piece socket set, and additional equipment.
Suspect Identified Through Prior Encounters
Investigators circulated screenshots from the surveillance video in an effort to identify the suspect. Another officer later recognized the individual as Haggard and noted that he was known to drive a red Pontiac G6.
Police reviewed body camera footage from prior encounters with Haggard and determined that both his appearance and vehicle matched those seen in the surveillance video.
During a traffic stop conducted roughly a week after the reported burglary, officers observed two yellow DeWalt bags and a DeWalt drill inside Haggard’s vehicle. Police say the items appeared consistent with those reported stolen.
Arrest and Statements to Police
On Dec. 15, officers went to Haggard’s residence, where they observed the red Pontiac parked in the driveway. When questioned, Haggard initially denied stealing any tools, according to police.
However, after being shown surveillance footage, he reportedly told officers, “I don’t do that anymore,” and said he stopped stealing tools after previously going to prison. When informed he was under arrest, Haggard allegedly stated, “I don’t know why I steal tools when I have money,” according to the police report.
He was then taken into custody and booked into the Bannock County Jail on charges of burglary and grand theft.
Court Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Haggard appeared before 6th District Magistrate Judge David A. Hooste for an arraignment hearing on Dec. 15. His bond was set at $5,000, which he posted on Dec. 17, securing his release from jail.
He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 28 for a preliminary hearing. At that hearing, prosecutors will attempt to show there is sufficient evidence to move the case from magistrate court to district court for trial.
Under Idaho law, the burglary charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The grand theft charge is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
The case remains under review as it proceeds through the court system.
