Stolen forklift found; two suspects booked

OTHELLO — The Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen Genie Telehandler Forklift on Aug. 19 in the 1900 block of West Hatton Road, according to an ACSO press release.

Three days later there was a complaint called in to the ACSO stating that the forklift was around South State Route 24 and West Hampton Road. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said the forklift is worth more than $10,000.

The ASCO deputies arrived, and the investigation led to the arrest of two suspects: Shayne Kulgen, 43, and Jordan Blaak, 26. Both are from Othello.

Kulgen and Blaak were booked into jail on suspicion of first-degree theft. Blaak was taken into custody and then taken to get medically cleared and he attempted to escape custody from Adam’s County Corrections Deputies, according to the press release. He was recaptured and charges for third-degree attempted escape were forwarded to the prosecutor along with those associated with the theft.

Wagner said the forklift has been returned to its rightful owners.