A rural property burglary investigation in Humboldt County has led to four arrests and the recovery of a large portion of the stolen property, but deputies are still searching for a missing handgun.
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said the arrests followed an investigation into a burglary, alleged elder exploitation, and stolen guns and property in the Norris Ranch Road area, according to the Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post.
Deputies began investigating on Oct. 29 after learning that suspects had allegedly gained access to shops and outbuildings on a rural property between Oct. 19 and Oct. 28. The suspects reportedly used the pretense of purchasing military vehicles from an elderly resident to gain access to the property.
Investigators said multiple tools, welding equipment, an air compressor, collectible items, and firearms were stolen. Some of the items were later listed for sale online.
After a multi-day investigation involving the Winnemucca Police Department and Nevada Parole and Probation, deputies served multiple court-authorized search warrants at locations across Winnemucca. The searches included residences on East Sixth Street, West Sixth Street and Granada Avenue, as well as a vehicle and a local storage unit.
Deputies recovered a large portion of the stolen tools, equipment, and collectibles, which have been returned to the victims. They also recovered a standard 22 long rifle, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.
An electric scooter connected to a separate July 2026 theft investigated by the Winnemucca Police Department was also recovered.
Four adults were arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Detention Center on various felony and gross misdemeanor charges. Three were connected to the initial burglary investigation, while a fourth was accused of concealing stolen property and possessing controlled substances.
The charges include possession of stolen property, grand larceny of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a dangerous weapon, elder exploitation, conspiracy to commit a crime, destroying or concealing evidence, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, and probation violations.
The investigation remains active as deputies work to locate all missing property, including a stainless-steel Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum revolver with a wooden grip.
Anyone with information about the case or the missing firearm is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office is also reminding residents, particularly older community members, to use caution when allowing unfamiliar people onto private property to inspect items offered for sale.
(Humboldt County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.)
