THE REAP-IR® THERMAL THAT SURVIVED A ROBBERY & A RIVER
APR 23 2025
STOLEN.
DUMPED IN A RIVER FOR 2 YEARS.
STILL WORKS.
In January of 2020, Josh purchased hunting property just minutes from Tishomingo, Oklahoma and Lake Texoma.
Just one year later, the unthinkable happened: a robbery.
“The guys not only broke into the home,” Josh explains, “he also broke into the safe room and took every single firearm and optic with him. Thousands of dollars, gone overnight. Including rifles, suppressors, and a Trijicon REAP-IR 35mm thermal.”
Thanks to a helpful neighbor, the Johnston Sheriff’s Department was able to track the bad guy down within hours of the robbery.
And while on the run, the thief dumped a majority of Josh’s firearms off a bridge over the Caney River—three hours away.
The only problem? He didn’t tell anyone.
A HERO ENTERS: THE MAGNET FISHERMAN
For two years, Josh’s optics and firearms lay hidden at the bottom of the Caney River. Yet, amazingly, just weeks before the Federal grand larceny trial started, a magnet fisherman pulled up one of Josh’s pistols from under the bridge and called the sheriff.
Josh explains: “The serial number was a hit, and the sheriff asked the magnet fisherman to keep looking in hopes that more evidence could be found. Days later, he pulled up a handful of my AR rifles and my REAP-IR. And we entered them as evidence for the conviction. It was amazing luck and amazing timing.”
RECOVERING THE WRECKAGE
“Everything was just caked in mud and banged up and in really bad shape. I called Trijicon customer service, and they asked me to send the REAP-IR to see what they could do,” Josh explains.
“They told me it worked within minutes—all they did was clean the battery compartment.”
“They gave me a new REAP-IR in exchange for that one so they could use it for testing and marketing. The Trijicon team was phenomenal.”
LET THE HUNTING CONTINUE
Though it took years, there was a happy ending—at least with the Trijicon REAP-IR®. Josh and his friends continue to hunt hogs and coyotes with his REAPs on .223 platforms. And his collection of REAP-IR 35mm thermals has grown, as has his friends’.
“Five of my neighbors have also upgraded to Trijicon REAP-IR 35mm thermals after hearing my crazy river story, so we have a community of believers.”
View through Josh’s REAP-IR® after being recovered from the river
Josh’s REAP-IR® setup
TESTED FOR THE WORST
Trijicon’s testing procedures include temperature testing, drop testing, shock and vibration testing, solid zero testing, and immersion testing. However, sitting on the bottom of a river for two years is not part of testing protocol. Yet Josh’s REAP survived with minimal repairs.
“The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is so true. I know Trijicon products are tested to handle most anything, but I’ve seen it first-hand and it’s amazing. I don’t mind spending the money if the quality is great and the customer service is phenomenal. And with Trijicon, I’ve experienced both.”
Here’s to Josh enjoying decades of quality hunting time with friends and family. We’re proud to support him and we’re honored to have him trust our products.