The Midland Police Department is reminding citizens to keep their vehicles locked and take valuables with them in the aftermath of the arrest of two suspects who admit they stole items from more than 40 vehicles in west Midland.
Juan Jimenez, 17, and a 16-year-old male juvenile were arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 6 after Jimenez led police on a short traffic pursuit.
Officers pulled Jimenez over for a moving traffic violation at around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday and quickly learned the 2004 Ford Fusion he was driving had been stolen. Jimenez, who was the only occupant of the car, attempted to evade arrest by leading police on a short pursuit from Godfrey Street and Shell Avenue to the 4300 block of Greenbriar Drive, where he lost control and crashed the vehicle. Jimenez then led police on a short foot chase, and when confronted by an officer, pulled a handgun from his waist. Jimenez complied with the officer’s orders to drop his weapon, and continued running before being apprehended.
Officers found several stolen items in the car Jimenez was driving, including guns, cell phones, electronics, wallets and credit cards. Jimenez admitted he stole the items from between 40-50 vehicles located in the Legends Park neighborhood in west Midland and surrounding areas from the middle of June through July. The investigation also revealed that a 16-year-old male juvenile had taken part in the car burglaries, and he was subsequently arrested as a result.
Jimenez faces several charges including evading arrest, aggravated assault against a public servant, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and resisting arrest, search or transportation.
The items found in the stolen vehicle are expected to help solve more than a dozen existing cases, and anyone who believes they may own items that were stolen by the two suspects are encouraged to call the Midland Police Department at 432-685-7108.
Police continue to encourage residents to keep their vehicles locked and take their valuables with them. Many serial vehicle burglars only search for easy targets to be able to maximize their gain.
Residents are also encouraged to visit www.crimemapping.com to view crimes happening in their neighborhoods. The database is updated every morning with the latest police reports and helps residents notice any crime trends happening in their area.
###Media Contact: Community Relations Sgt. Ben Chavez