Man steals payloader, drives it in a pursuit involving Brookings County Sheriff’s Department

A Brookings man is facing multiple charges after stealing a payloader and attempting to flee from authorities.

Brookings County Assistant Sheriff Scott Sebring says it was reported at about 3:30 Sunday afternoon that a payloader was driving into oncoming traffic and stopping in the middle of the roadway, just south of Brookings on 472nd Avenue.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop but the payloader continued north into Brookings. It entered the trailer court on the 2100 block of 22nd Avenue, eventually going down a dead end.

It attempted to turn around in the yard of a resident and ran into a mobile home and pushed a shed when the payloader killed. The operator got out and tried to flee on foot. Deputies captured the man, identified as 36-year-old Reco Jones.

He was arrested for grand theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, aggravated eluding, obstructing officers and other charges. Bond was set at $2,500 cash or surety

During the pursuit, the owner of the payloader had called dispatch and reported it stolen from a business on the 800 block of 34th Avenue. It traveled about three miles before it stopped running.

Sebring says they are very fortunate the payloader died and that there was not more damage or injuries.

Damage to the mobile home and shed are being estimated.

April 30, 2024