Moorhead police identify vehicle of interest in $30K Veterans Honor Flight trailer theft, warn against AI images

(Photo / Veteran Honor Flight)

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KFGO) – Moorhead police have identified a vehicle of interest in the theft of an enclosed trailer containing approximately $30,000 in merchandise and property belonging to the Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota.

During an update on the investigation, Moorhead Police Capt. Laddie Bata said detectives are reviewing evidence to obtain a clear, credible photo of the vehicle to share with the public. Bata also cautioned community members against circulating images on social media that appear to have been altered using artificial intelligence.

“We are aware that some images have been posted on social media by citizens that appear to have been augmented by AI,” Bata said. “Images of this nature cannot be used in our investigation.”

The theft occurred in the 300 block of 30th Street North, near the Moorhead American Legion along Highway 10. Investigators believe the trailer was stolen between late Sunday evening, Aug. 2, and early Monday morning, Aug. 3. Police received a delayed report of the incident on Aug. 4.

The missing equipment is described as a white 2017 Haulmark enclosed trailer, measuring 7 feet wide by 16 feet long. Its only distinguishing marking is the phrase “Donated by Haulmark Visto Trailers” written across the top.

Inside, the trailer held roughly $30,000 worth of Veterans Honor Flight apparel, including official shirts and hats, along with other organizational equipment.

Bata acknowledged the frustration surrounding the theft of resources intended to honor local military veterans, noting that investigators share the community’s desire to see the case resolved and those responsible held accountable.

Police are asking residents and business owners in the area to review security camera footage captured between late Aug. 2 and early Aug. 3 for any signs of a vehicle towing an enclosed trailer. Anyone with direct, actionable information or who notices third-party sales of Honor Flight apparel is urged to contact the Moorhead Police Department.