MARION – A Carbondale man was recently charged with theft after he allegedly stole a backhoe and drove it to Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion to catch a flight.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call for service at the airport on May 18. When deputies arrived, they were informed that a backhoe was parked in the airport parking lot which was suspicious in nature.
A few moments later the owner of the backhoe arrived on scene and identified the equipment as belonging to his company. The owner advised that the backhoe was parked on a job site located at the intersection of Illinois Route 13 and Spillway Road.

A subsequent investigation disclosed that Timothy J. Baggott of Carbondale stole the backhoe and used it as transportation to drive 10 miles to catch a flight.

Security camera footage shows Baggott’s arrival and parking of the backhoe in the airport parking lot. He was captured on video walking from the equipment carrying a guitar case and entering the airport lobby.

Baggott has been charged with Theft in excess of $10,000, which is a felony.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Williamson County Airport Authority and Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for their assistance.

Click here to see video Baggott arriving at the airport in the backhoe.