CALDWELL COUNTY, MO – A Kidder man faces a felony stealing charge after allegedly driving off with a neighbor’s commercial lawn mower that had become temporarily stuck in a ditch.
The Disappearing Mower
The incident occurred on June 14, when a local property owner was mowing near a property line and the machine became stuck. The owner walked roughly 200 yards over a hill to retrieve a vehicle and a tow strap.
When the owner returned a short time later, the Toro Z Master 61-inch zero-turn riding mower—valued at $2,000—was missing.
Tracks Lead Deputies T \o Suspect
According to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office probable cause statement, investigators tracked tire marks leading directly from the ditch to a driveway just south of the scene.
Deputies confronted Gary Dean Burst, 69, at the residence. Authorities allege that Burst initially denied any knowledge of the missing machinery. However, after deputies pointed out that the tire tracks led straight to his driveway, Burst allegedly admitted to taking the equipment.
Hidden From The Roadway
Deputies located the stolen Toro mower hidden on the west side of Burst’s property, completely obscured from the roadway. The equipment was recovered and returned to its rightful owner, who requested that criminal charges be pressed.
Under Missouri law, stealing property valued at $750 or more is automatically classified as a Class D felony.
Court Proceedings
Following the investigation, a warrant was issued on June 15 with a $10,000 cash-only bond. Court records indicate that Burst has since posted the bond, and his initial court appearance was scheduled for June 18.
