3 people accused of stealing equipment from firefighters in Mariposa, deputies say

Three Modesto-area residents have been arrested, accused of stealing equipment from firefighters dealing with the Detwiler fire in Mariposa County.

Modesto resident John Johnson, 40, and Waterford residents Holly Patrick, 38, and Trevor Holbrook, 26, were arrested and booked into the Mariposa County Jail on suspicion of theft of property and receiving stolen property, according to a Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Authorities spotted three people around 9 p.m. Sunday while doing security patrols in the Yaqui Gulch area after evacuation orders were lifted, officials said.

They were driving in a resident-only zone when they were stopped by officers, deputies said.

The officers found equipment, including a generator, first aid kit, power tools and other items that appeared to have been taken from firefighting operations with the Detwiler fire.

Officers also found needles and a methamphetamine pipe, according to the release.

Law enforcement agencies from around the state have been helping Mariposa County agencies patrol the streets during the Detwiler fire.

On Friday, authorities arrested two Mariposa residents for trespassing in an evacuation area.

“We are working with our local District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all thieves are prosecuted to the fullest,” the release states.

This story was originally published July 25, 2017 at 7:26 PM with the headline "3 people accused of stealing equipment from firefighters in Mariposa, deputies say."