MEDFORD, Ore. (Feb. 3, 2026) — Medford police are continuing their investigation into a high-dollar theft at the Medford School District 549C Facilities Yard, where more than $10,000 worth of tools and equipment were stolen during the early morning hours of Jan. 19.
According to police, the suspect broke out the rear window of a van parked at the facilities yard and removed numerous tools and pieces of equipment. Surveillance video captured the suspect during the theft, though investigators said the individual’s face was covered, limiting immediate identification.
Detectives launched a public-awareness effort as part of the investigation, distributing informational bulletins to 10 markets and gas stations in south Medford in hopes that someone might recognize the suspect. On Jan. 22, a resident in the Dakota Street area contacted police after recognizing the individual from one of the bulletins and provided information that led investigators to a residence.
Later that day, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in the 700 block of Dakota Street. During the search, officers recovered multiple stolen items connected not only to the school district theft but also to several unrelated cases across the city, police said.
Among the items recovered were a Milwaukee LED tower light taken during the Medford School District theft, two chainsaws reported stolen from a local business, a $5,000 mountain bike taken from a retail store, a $3,000 mountain bike reported stolen from east Medford, and clothing believed to have been worn by the suspect during the school district break-in.
Through interviews and follow-up investigation, detectives identified 24-year-old Nicholas Thomas Mitts as the suspect. He is currently wanted on probable cause for aggravated theft, first-degree criminal mischief, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal trespass. Police said Mitts also has an outstanding failure-to-appear warrant for first-degree theft.
Investigators said Mitts has not sold any of the stolen property at pawn shops or through online marketplaces, leading detectives to believe that additional stolen items may still be outstanding. Police are asking anyone who may have purchased property from Mitts to contact authorities so the items can be recovered and returned to their owners.
Medford police said officers are actively attempting to locate Mitts and noted that his appearance may have changed since the theft, including that his hair is now short.
Anyone with information about Mitts’ whereabouts or about the investigation is asked to contact the Medford Police Department at 541-776-7206. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be possible as detectives continue to identify stolen property and potential victims.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
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