Someone Stealing, Returning Cars in LG
Two vehicles were stolen in La Grange and later returned over the past two weeks. Police are asking the public to help identify a man seen with one of the vehicles Sunday morning, Oct. 18.
The first one happened on Monday, Oct. 12. A resident on North Monroe St. noticed their vehicle missing around 5:30 p.m. The vehicle, a white 2013 Toyota Avalon, showed back up sometime between midnight and 3 a.m. the next morning. The owner reported the only thing missing were some receipts. Prior to the theft, the vehicle was unlocked and the keys were left inside.
Then on Sunday, Oct. 18, another resident on North Jefferson reported their vehicle missing around midnight. Officer Jose Garza responded and staked out the residence. The vehicle, a silver 2023 Toyota Camry, returned around 4 a.m. Garza ordered a male suspect out of the vehicle and onto the ground. But before he could place him into custody, the suspect got up, took off running and disappeared into the night. Garza along with a Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy searched for the man but were unable to find him. A dash camera on Garza’s patrol vehicle captured a photo of the man.
“We don’t know if they’re going on a joyride or committing a crime somewhere else and bringing it back,” said La Grange Police Sgt. Mitchell Maxwell.
The following day, Monday, Oct. 19, someone tried stealing a white Chevy fourdoor pickup that was parked on N. Monroe St. The complainant told police it was their work truck, the door lock on the outside had been tampered with. The suspect was able to get inside the truck and ripped the plastic trim under the steering wheel off in an attempt to start the truck. They were unsuccessful in starting it. The complainant noticed the damage around 1:35 p.m. Police believe the attempted theft occurred in the early morning hours.
If anyone can identify the suspect pictured in the photograph, please contact La Grange Police at (979) 9685806.
Police are investigating several other recent crimes. Maxwell said he wasn’t sure if they’re related.
Sometime between late Thursday night, Oct. 15, and early Friday morning, Oct. 16, someone broke into a vehicle in the 500 block of North Madison St. and stole a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun. The vehicle was unlocked, according to police.
On Oct. 16, someone broke into a vehicle parked at H-E-B while the owner was shopping and stole several items from inside.
Someone broke into a unit at A Prime Storage and stole several items late Saturday night, Oct. 17, or early Sunday morning, Oct. 18.
On Oct. 19, a utility trailer was stolen from behind a business in the 200 block of E. Colorado St. The owner left the trailer behind the business over the weekend and noticed it missing Monday.
Maxwell urged the public to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables from inside.