Stolen Generator Recovered and Suspect Arrested in Covelo Burglary

This is a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

Daniel Batten

On 01-19-2020 at approximately 4:04 AM, Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a security alarm activation at a business located at 76240 Covelo Road in Covelo, California.

Upon the Deputies arrival, it was determined that the front window of the business had been broken.  The business owner arrived and it was discovered that an unknown suspect had entered the business and stole a Honda EU2200 Generator.

Deputies collected evidence related to the burglary/vandalism which included interviewing witnesses in the area.  Deputies received information that a white male adult was seen carrying a generator towards the rear of Keith’s Market, then entering a vehicle and leaving the area.

Further information was developed which identified the white male adult as being Daniel Edward Batten.

Deputies also developed information on the current location of the stolen generator.  Deputies responded to a residence in the downtown Covelo area, where they were able to recover the stolen generator, and later return it to the business owner.

On 01-21-2020, Deputies contacted Batten walking in a field near the Hidden Oaks Convenience Store in Covelo. Batten was ultimately placed under arrest for 459 PC (Burglary) and 594(b)(1) PC (Felony Vandalism).

Batten was subsequently booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be held in lieu of $15,000.00 bail.