Sawmill Campground Theft (Hwy 120 - Lee Vining)

Date:   August 19, 2015
Time:  8:30a

On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at approximately 12:45pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Office Deputies assigned to the Walker Fire Incident responded to the Sawmill Campground on Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass) for a report of stolen campsite property.

Campers in the Sawmill Campground along Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass) observed a transient hiker in their camp space. A locked bear box was broken into and camping supplies were missing. The campers detained the transient hiker and contact law enforcement for assistance.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, responded to the campsite. Mono County Sheriff’s Deputies hiked to the transient hiker’s campsite. With the consent of the hiker, they searched the site and located the stolen camping supplies. All property was returned to the campers. The campers didn’t want to prosecute and the transient hiker was released at the scene.

This incident serves as a reminder to beware during the fire incident of looters. If you see any suspicious looking people or circumstances, please contact the Mono County Sheriff’s Office at (760) 932-7549 ext. 7 and report the incident. - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer