PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — An Oxon Hill man is in custody, suspected of stealing about $1 million in construction equipment, police said Tuesday. Investigators executed a search warrant and arrested 38-year-old Brandyn Green on Thursday, June 13.
The search warrant at Green's property in the 4400 block of Wheeler Road stemmed from a lengthy investigation into stolen equipment. Investigators searched the property and recovered 13 stolen skid steers — a small piece of heavy construction equipment used for digging and hauling — along with two excavators, numerous trailers and building equipment.
“We think this was a one-off situation where he was just trying to tap in," Prince George's County Police Captain Craig Winegardner, said. "A lot of these construction companies were leaving them at construction sites.”
Investigators say Green was transporting the equipment in a large SUV and reselling it for thousands of dollars. They believe several businesses, as far as Cecil and St. Mary's County, were targeted.
“They’re pretty valuable. You can get them and sell them for a couple thousand dollars," Winegardner, said. "These companies, some of them, pay $60,000-$80,000 for them."
Police are encouraging business owners to take extra precautionary measures.
“Hide the equipment, keep your serial numbers [and] put fences up, if you can," Winegardner said. "Ring cameras are a huge help. We get a lot of information from there, GPS trackers.”
Detectives have identified several of the theft victims and returned their property to them. Efforts to identify and locate all victims are still underway.
Green has been charged with theft scheme, and multiple felony theft charges, but more charges are likely, according to police. He appeared in court Monday. He is being held on a $7,500 bond. His trial is scheduled for July 22.
In addition, the PGPD’s Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement Team had two open arrest warrants for Green. WAVE detectives have charged him with multiple counts of auto theft.
Anyone with information on this case who would like to speak to a Oxon Hill Division IV investigator may call 301-749-4901. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Prince George's County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.
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