Two men were arrested in Cleveland early Saturday morning after a Cleveland Police officer tracked down the owners of a stolen lawn mower.
At 4:28 am., Officer Matt Landolt observed a green Toyota 4Runner traveling north on Peerless Road. The vehicle was pulling a trailer which did not have any operating tail lights. Officer Landolt observed a riding lawn mower in the trailer. A traffic stop was conducted on the 4Runner on Edgewood Drive near the cul-de-sac.
Police said, "Officer Landolt made contact with the driver,Gregory Lamb, and the passenger, Michael Gonet. Officer Landolt asked Mr. Lamb why he had entered the Edgewood Drive neighborhood and he could not provide a logical reason. He asked Mr. Lamb where he had gotten the lawn mower from and he stated it was sitting on the side of the road in the Greenridge Drive neighborhood near the McDonald's on 25th Street.
"After following up with the information provided and going a few steps further, Officer Landolt went door to door in an attempt to locate the owner of the stolen lawn mower. He spoke with several area residents, which was difficult to do since it was 5 a.m., but eventually located the owners, Peerless Road residents, who were very appreciative of his persistence. The victim advised that his black Craftsman 26 horsepower riding lawn mower was chained to a tree in his front yard.
"Officer Landolt observed a metal cable which had been cut. The owner valued the lawn mower at $3,100. The lawn mower was returned to the victim. Lamb was arrested and transported to the Bradley County Judicial Complex for theft over $1,000 and violation of light law. Gonet was also charged with theft over $1,000.
"Officer Landolt did an outstanding job conducting a very good traffic stop and initial investigation with both vehicle occupants. Officer Landolt exhibited proactive police work and diligent efforts to locate the owner of the stolen property."