Natural Bridge Man Charged in Tractor Theft and Business Burglary Investigation

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ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. — A 19-year-old Natural Bridge man has been arrested following a month-long investigation into a stolen tractor and the burglary of commercial vehicles in southern Rockbridge County.

The Office of the Sheriff for Rockbridge County and the City of Lexington identified the suspect as Nicholas Stirling Wood.

Deputies began investigating June 4 after receiving a report of a stolen tractor in the 2800 block of River Road. Investigators processed the scene and searched the surrounding area for witnesses, security recordings and trail-camera footage.

The tractor was located June 9, several miles from where it was originally reported stolen. Deputies processed the recovery location and collected forensic evidence that authorities said helped identify possible suspects.

A second incident was reported June 29 in the 3300 block of South Lee Highway. According to the Sheriff’s Office, several tree trimming trucks were burglarized. Deputies interviewed witnesses, reviewed surveillance footage and collected additional forensic evidence.

Investigators recovered some of the stolen property in July and developed information connecting potential suspects to both cases.

Authorities later obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the zero block of Cherry Tree Lane in the Natural Bridge Station area. Additional property linked to the investigation was allegedly recovered during the search.

The Sheriff’s Office said the suspects involved in the tractor theft were also connected to the commercial vehicle burglary. The total value of the property stolen or damaged during the incidents is estimated at approximately $60,000.

Felony warrants were served July 15. Wood was charged with two counts of grand larceny, one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle and one count of destruction of property.

Wood was released on bond.

Sheriff Tony McFaddin credited the department’s deputies with carefully processing the crime scenes, collecting forensic evidence and conducting follow-up investigations that connected the incidents and led to the recovery of stolen property.

The investigations remain active, and authorities expect additional charges.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff for Rockbridge County and the City of Lexington at 540-463-7328.

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