HOUSTON – A long-term auto-theft investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has led to the discovery of three chop shops in northwest Harris County that have possible ties to a cartel, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
The Harris County SWAT Team and state troopers recovered 14 stolen high-end vehicles, mostly pickup trucks, valued at over one million dollars.
The execution of multiple warrants were conducted at the three sites, located in the 200 block of Leago Street, 100 block of Gulf Bank Road, and 11000 block of United Street.
Five men were taken into custody during the investigation and others were detained.
Arrest update: Edgar Bravo (5-23-02) 2nd degree felony theft, Jesus Gutierrez-Escamilla (2-4-83) 2nd degree felony theft, Bernardo Fernandez-Pereyda (5-22-98) Evading Arrest. Charges are pending on others. https://t.co/MokZnu3MkG
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) April 4, 2024
Gonzalez posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Edgar Bravo and Jesus Gutierrez-Escamilla are facing second degree felony theft charges. Bernardo Fernandez-Pereyda is charged with evading arrest and charges for other suspects are pending.
“Our goal is not just to disrupt this organization, but completely dismantle it,” Maj. Saul Suarez said at the scene.
Maj. Suarez said some of the suspects may be connected to the violent and dangerous Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.
At the Leago Street property, a sign on the fence read: “No Trespassing. Violators will be shot survivors will be shot again.”
A neighbor, who asked to not be identified for fear of her own safety, said she’s noticed an uptick in traffic on the dead-end street. She’s also heard gunshots coming from the area.
“What is really going on with these cars going down? I don’t even go down there unless I’m looking for my dog,” she said. “So many different cars, Mercedes ... like luxury vehicles, trucks, a lot of trucks.”
She noticed the activity at all hours and thought it was a mechanic shop.
“Would you believe that they recovered $1 million worth of stolen cars back there?” KPRC 2′s Bryce Newberry asked her.
“Absolutely not. But now, as I’m recalling in my mind all the cars, very well, very easily,” she said. “Everything has come home to roost and it makes sense now.”
Maj. Suarez said the investigation, which has been going on for six months, is now just beginning.
"Obviously we’re going to continue as we still continue to develop more leads, identify more suspects,” he said.
As investigators process the stolen vehicles, Suarez said they plan to contact the rightful owners to hopefully retrieve them.