UPDATE, 10/14, 1:02 p.m.: HCSO press release:

On 10-13-2013 at about 6:45 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office received a telephone call from a concerned citizen regarding the 246C CAT that had been stolen from the Sheriff’s Wood Lot. The concerned citizen reported that a subject had possibly sold the CAT to a friend of his living in the Hydesville area.

Following up on this tip, Sheriff’s Deputies located the stolen CAT in the 3400 Block of D Street, Hydesville. Additionally, the trailer the cat was loaded on was also determined to be stolen. The person in possession of the CAT and trailer stated that he had purchased the items earlier in the day for $9,500. At this time the person who was in possession of the stolen equipment is not considered a suspect in this case and is cooperating fully with this investigation.

The suspect that sold the stolen equipment has not been positively identified yet. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4060 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime TIP Line at (707) 268-2593.

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From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 10-13-2013 at approximately 3:30 a.m. unknown subjects stole a 246C CAT from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Wood Lot. The CAT was parked at the Sheriff’s Wood Lot located behind the General Hospital Campus at 2200 Harrison Avenue, Eureka, at the time it was stolen.

The CAT is described as a model 246C, Orange and Black, with tracks and not the standard tires. The CAT is equipped with a “log grappler” for moving logs. It has the number JAY1469 on the right side below the drivers compartment. The vehicle identification number, 0246CEJAY01469, is stamped on various parts of the metal frame.

It is believed that the CAT was driven onto high ground, then loaded onto some sort of trailer before being moved from the area.

This incident is being investigated by the Eureka Police Department as the theft occurred in their jurisdiction. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4060 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime TIP Line at (707) 268-2539.