Following a string of car burglaries in South Pharr, the police department there detained a juvenile and arrested two teens Wednesday for allegedly stealing about $10,500 from a company vehicle owned by a business in Hidalgo, according to a news release from police.
Orlando Gonzalez, 17, is facing up to 15 criminal charges, including four counts of burglary of a vehicle, auto theft, theft by possession of a stolen firearm, engaging in organized crime, as well as multiple charges for possession of several drugs.
Kenneth Javier Diaz, 17, is also facing charges of burglary of a vehicle, auto theft, engaging in organized crime, public intoxication and evading arrest.
The detained 15-year-old juvenile is facing similar charges, including auto theft, evading arrest and engaging in organized crime.
According to investigators, the trio went around the south Pharr area, specifically on Sherry and La Mora roads, and pulled on vehicle door handles over the weekend.
The trio took whatever items were available from unlocked vehicles, including clothes, electronics and about $10,500, the release said.
Police believe the cash was stolen from a company vehicle and it has since been returned to the rightful owner.
Officers also recovered a .380 Rugar handgun, along with extra ammunition that was reported stolen.
Pharr police urged the community to be proactive by locking and removing any valuables inside their vehicles or to make sure they’re out of sight.
The department is currently in possession of other stolen items and is working diligently to return them to their rightful owners.
Police are also asking the community to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods by calling 956-787-TIPS.
The investigation is ongoing and future arrests are a possibility, police said.
