Medford Police Searching for Suspect Identified by Neighbor After $10,000 School District Theft
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford Police Department is searching for 24-year-old Nicholas Thomas Mitts in connection with a string of high-dollar thefts in and around the Medford School District 549C.
A Resident on the Same Street Where the Suspect Lives Identified Him From a Police Bulletin
His identity was established when a resident living on the same street as Mitts recognized him on a police bulletin.
Mitts was not present when officers arrived at his residence in the 700 block of Dakota Street, but a search uncovered stolen goods valued at thousands of dollars.
Mitts is currently wanted for aggravated theft, criminal mischief, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and criminal trespass. He also has an outstanding warrant for theft.
The robbery at the Medford School District 549C Facilities Yard occurred during the early hours of January 19, when more than $10,000 worth of tools and equipment were stolen.
- Jan 19 early morning : Facilities yard theft, more than $10,000 in tools taken
- Jan 19 : Rear window of equipment van broken
- Later : Bulletins shared with 10 south Medford markets and gas stations
- Then : Dakota Street resident identifies Mitts from bulletin
- Now : Police seek tips at 541 776 7206
The suspect gained access to a van filled with the equipment by breaking its rear window. The suspect appears in a surveillance camera video, but his face was covered. He was identified after Medford Police distributed information bulletins to 10 south Medford markets and gas stations.
Stolen goods recovered from Mitts’ residence include.
- A Milwaukee LED tower light stolen during the Medford School District theft.
- Two chainsaws stolen from a local business.
- A $5,000 mountain bike stolen from a retail store.
- A $3,000 mountain bike stolen from East Medford.
- Clothing items believed to have been worn during the school district robbery.
According to the police, Mitts did not sell any of the stolen property to pawn shops or online marketplaces. They are also searching for more stolen property.
Anyone who has purchased items from Mitts or who has knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact the Medford Police Department at 541-776-7206.