Tornado Destroys House, Looters Get the Rest

Darren Brown, News 9

BLANCHARD, Oklahoma -- A tornado destroyed his home leaving little to salvage.  Now thieves are attempting to steal what's left. 

James Fooks was at work on May 24, when a large tornado swept across his property in Blanchard.  When he finally made it home hours later, he realized his home was gone.  In the weeks since, Fooks has gathered what little belongings the tornado left behind.

"I have salvaged maybe one percent of the contents of the house," said Fooks.

Fooks has been living with friends since the tornado, and when he checked his property this past weekend, he realized things were missing.

Fooks had two 53-foot trailers loaded with plywood and various building supplies that were broken into sometime last week.

Thieves stole brand new furniture that was still in boxes, including pieces for the bedroom and dining room.  Fooks had planned on moving the furniture into his house this summer.  He's spent almost 30 years working on his house.

"There's some years I couldn't work on it 'cause I didn't have a job," said Fooks.  "Now people want to come out and steal the rest of what I have."

Fooks has secured a motor home on his property and will be moving into it soon.  He's been patient about that, but he has no patience for the thieves. 

"If this happened to them, they would be angry like I am," Fooks said.