MOSES LAKE, Wash.-Grant County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men after a Moses Lake, Wash., grower held them at gunpoint after catching them allegedly attempting to steal farm equipment.
Deputies arrested Johnny Frank Mitchell, 46, and David Allen Thornton, 53, both of Moses Lake, on suspicion of second-degree burglary, second-degree trespassing, first-degree attempted theft and first-degree malicious mischief.
Mitchell and Thornton were lodged in Grant County Jail, pending arraignment.
According to the sheriff's office press release, the grower discovered the men on a remote portion of his property. They were allegedly using an oxyacetylene torch to cut apart an asphalt paving roller. The grower held the men at gunpoint and called an off-duty deputy, who notified on-duty deputies.
Investigators said they would file additional charges against at least one of the men in connection with previous property crimes.