Jeep reported burglarized, set ablaze

An investigation that began March 20 with a mystery Jeep parked on American Coal property became more mysterious as the weeks wore on.

American Coal security guard Roy Hall reported the Jeep being abandoned on the property March 20.

Deputy Jared Campbell responded and found the Jeep with a flat front left tire.

On March 30, Eric Heflin called the department saying someone had stolen items from the Jeep and taken the tires off of it. Heflin said he had driven into the field to help a friend who was stuck and the tire popped and the vehicle ran out of gas in the process. He said he had left the Jeep there because he did not want to leave ruts in the field.

When he returned to check on it he noted the items stolen.

He again returned April 11 to find someone had set the Jeep on fire.