The Garza County Sheriff’s Department along with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers
Association are investigating a theft at the Stoker-Kirkpatrick Ranch over the weekend.
Cattle Rancher Drew Kirkpatrick walked in his barn Monday morning to find more than $35,000
worth of equipment missing.
“When I walk in I see two saddle blankets on the ground,” Kirkpatrick said. “And four saddle racks empty. The fifth one being a Tooter Cannon, which is made by probably the most famous saddle maker in the area who is deceased and that saddle could be worth, I am estimating $7-$10 thousand because it is in mint condition.”
The TSCRA describes the five saddles as a ‘a Lane Smith tooled saddle, a Dee Buckner saddle, a Tooter Cannon saddle, a Ryan saddle and a David Barnes saddle.The suspect(s) also stole a green 2013 Polaris Ranger UTV with a single bench seat, a red 2009 350-series Yamaha Kodiak ATV, a blue 2009 700-series Yamaha ATV and a black 2009 700-series Yamaha ATV. Additionally, a shop welder and assorted tools were stolen from the property.’
Kirkpatrick said the Polaris is a $10,000 piece of equipment.
“To think someone will drive in the front entrance,” Kirkpatrick said. “And drive right by your house while you’re sleeping and do this, to me is outrageous.”
I made a mistake, Kirkpatrick admits, by leaving his barn, gate and doors unlocked.
“I’ve been living comfortably and I am not comfortable anymore,” Kirkpatrick said.
Like any other cowboy, Kirkpatrick said, he misses his saddle and would like it back. He said the investigators are following some leads but right now there are no suspects.
If you have any information contact the Garza County Sheriff’s Department at (806) 495-3595.
(Originally published 07/27/2016)