Take proof of ownership to the sheriff's office. Have a deputy follow you for the pickup. His pay has nothing to do with him stealing equipment. If he refuses tell the deputy you want to press charges. Better than him claiming you assaulted him with only witnesses on his side.
If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Quit being part of the problem!
This is CABL.com posting #359363. Tiny Link: cabl.co/mbFEl