About a month ago, the City of Lathrop Police Department responded to a call in which a lawn mower was stolen on Mingo Way.

“The victim had briefly gone inside (his home). And when he returned, the mower was gone,” police said via social media Saturday.

Camera footage from the May 10 incident showed a white Chevrolet pickup with a logo on the rear door, revealing the suspect – described as a Hispanic man with long hair – loading the mower into the truck.

According to police investigation, the vehicle was identified as being registered out of town.

Some four weeks later, Officer Syler was reportedly patrolling near Halmar Lane and O Street when he observed that same white Chevrolet pickup.

“Through an opening in a backyard fence, he spotted a lawn mower matching the stolen one in plain view. In addition, a male matching the suspect’s description was working in a nearby yard. When contacted, he admitted to stealing the lawn mower,” said Lathrop police.

What’s more, records revealed that the suspect had an outstanding felony warrant on charges of manufacturing dangerous drugs issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

He was arrested and booked. “The stolen property was returned to its grateful owner,” police added.

Officer Syler was praised for his dedication in helping bring justice and closure to a frustrated resident.

Lathrop police added: “This case highlights the importance of vigilance and thorough follow-up work in solving even the smallest of crimes.”

 About a month ago, the City of Lathrop Police Department responded to a call in which a lawn mower was stolen on Mingo Way.

“The victim had briefly gone inside (his home). And when he returned, the mower was gone,” police said via social media Saturday.

Camera footage from the May 10 incident showed a white Chevrolet pickup with a logo on the rear door, revealing the suspect – described as a Hispanic man with long hair – loading the mower into the truck.

According to police investigation, the vehicle was identified as being registered out of town.

Some four weeks later, Officer Syler was reportedly patrolling near Halmar Lane and O Street when he observed that same white Chevrolet pickup.

“Through an opening in a backyard fence, he spotted a lawn mower matching the stolen one in plain view. In addition, a male matching the suspect’s description was working in a nearby yard. When contacted, he admitted to stealing the lawn mower,” said Lathrop police.

What’s more, records revealed that the suspect had an outstanding felony warrant on charges of manufacturing dangerous drugs issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

He was arrested and booked. “The stolen property was returned to its grateful owner,” police added.

Officer Syler was praised for his dedication in helping bring justice and closure to a frustrated resident.

Lathrop police added: “This case highlights the importance of vigilance and thorough follow-up work in solving even the smallest of crimes.”