Brookings County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Vehicle Fire, Rural Building Vandalism and Diesel Fuel Theft

1 day ago

2 min read

Firefighters spray water on a burning pickup truck at night, thick smoke on a road; jackets read TORONTO and COLIN.

Northeast Radio SD News – Brookings County, SD - The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office responded to an early morning vehicle fire that resulted in a $25,000 total loss on Nov. 12, 2026, and is actively seeking information regarding two separate incidents of rural property vandalism and diesel fuel theft in Brookings County.

According to a media release from Investigations Sergeant Thomas Chester, authorities are investigating the following three incidents:

Pickup Truck Destroyed in Early Morning Fire Near Toronto

At 12:21 a.m. on Nov. 12, 2026, the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office and the Toronto Fire Department were dispatched to a vehicle fire on 482nd Avenue near 197th Street.

Blue LS tractor with front loader parked in a grassy field, with autumn trees and a clear sky.

According to the sheriff’s office, the driver of a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 noticed sparks coming from the pickup and pulled over to examine the vehicle. Shortly after pulling over, the pickup caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames. Responding emergency crews extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle was declared a total loss with estimated damages totaling $25,000.

Cinder Block Used in Attempted Forced Entry and Vandalism

Deputies are investigating a vandalism and attempted burglary incident reported at a building in the area of 197th Street near 487th Avenue. The incident occurred sometime between Oct. 31, 2026, and Nov. 9, 2026.

Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered that a cinder block had been used to damage a glass window. Authorities also noted additional signs of attempted forced entry on a building doorway. Total damage to the structure is estimated at $500.

Tractor Diesel Fuel Siphoned in Rural Theft

The sheriff’s office is also investigating the theft of diesel fuel from a property located in the area of 213th Street near 480th Avenue. The theft occurred between Oct. 28, 2026, and Nov. 9, 2026.

Deputies spoke with the victim on scene, who reported that an unknown individual siphoned an estimated 10 to 12 gallons of diesel fuel from a tractor parked on the property over the prior two weeks. The stolen fuel is valued at approximately $70.

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How to Submit Tips

Chester noted that anyone with information regarding the vandalism on 197th Street or the diesel fuel theft on 213th Street is asked to contact Brookings Dispatch at 605-692-2113. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Brookings Crime Stoppers via the P3 App or by calling 605-692-7867.