Two Arrested for Stealing Extrication Gear in Texas

July 26, 2014
Police are still searching for a third suspect after tools were stolen from a Bexar County fire engine.

July 25--SAN ANTONIO -- Two men arrested Wednesday night are accused of stealing $20,000 worth of equipment from a Bexar County fire engine, including the Jaws of Life, used to extricate people from cars.

Blake Gundred, 27, and Michael Wroblewski, 33, were each charged with burglary of a vehicle and state jail felony theft. Their bail was set at $11,600.

The District 2 engine, in the 20100 block of Pleasanton Road, was broken into around 7:30 a.m. on May 27, according to an arrest affidavit.

About a month later, a man was contacted by Wroblewski, who showed him the Jaws of Life in the trunk of his car, according to the affidavit.

Wroblewski asked the man if he knew of anyone who would want to buy the equipment and told the man he and Gundred had stolen the tool from a fire engine, the affidavit says.

The man reported a burglary to the South Side Independent School District Police Department the next day.

On July 8, a fire marshal's investigator responding to a report in the 400 block of Peaceful Lane found Gundred and asked him about the stolen fire equipment.

Gundred admitted his involvement in the theft, according to the affidavit. Later, Wroblewski also admitted to breaking into the firetruck, authorities said.

The affidavit indicates authorities are looking for a third suspect.

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Copyright 2014 - San Antonio Express-News

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