HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Harris County Precinct 4 constables said they broke up an organized crime ring, making 11 arrests. They said the suspects broke into numerous cars and homes and even committed armed robbery.
The 11 now in police custody are key players in the crime ring, according to police.
Authorities have since been able to clear at least 89 open criminal cases, including 74 vehicle break-ins, nearly a dozen home burglaries, an auto theft and a drive-by shooting.
"We ran search warrants on a lot of their cell phones and sorted through thousands and thousands of sheets of text messages of these folks going out and thieving in our communities. Trying to sell stolen property, guns," Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said.Â
Investigators said the ring often used social media to find buyers in hopes of making quick, easy cash. The suspects would work together. They all know one another and some are family.
Police said in some cases they went after easy targets like unlocked cars, but in other instances they resorted to violence.
"In the one case, these individuals started shooting at the complainant when he came out trying to protect his property," Herman said.
Surveillance video played a critical role in connecting the 11 suspects to the string of crimes.
A 12th suspect, Daniel Lopez, is still wanted by authorities and is making arrangements to turn himself in.
Arrested: Anthony Burrus