EDINBURG — Police here arrested two individuals on allegations of stealing flat-screen TVs from a local Walmart on Sunday, after one suspect led authorities in a vehicle pursuit, according to an agency news release.
Authorities responded to the Walmart located at 1724 W. University Drive at about 11:59 a.m. There, police reported that a report of a man stealing flat-screen televisions was made. The suspect was later identified as Edgar Villanueva, 35, who was seen leaving the store in a blue Kia Rio.
Another suspect, later identified as Trisha Val Verde, 43, was reported as the driver of the vehicle.
Villanueva and Val Verde made their way to the First Cash Pawn Shop at 3501 W. University Drive, where they’re accused of trying to pawn the TVs.
An Edinburg police officer, after witnessing the event, arrested Villanueva. As the officer attempted to detain Val Verde, she drove away from the scene, according to the release.
Observed driving north on Mon Mack Road over 90 miles per hour, Val Verde is accused of leading police on a chase. Officers attempted to pull Val Verde over to no avail.
After going west on Trenton Road, Val Verde lost control of the vehicle. Val Verde couldn’t get the car started afterward and was arrested with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
In addition to more stolen merchandise from Walmart, police reported finding a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia in the Kia.
In the release, the Edinburg Police Department said there were no reported injuries, or accidents or other damages during the vehicle pursuit.
Nearly all of the stolen merchandise was recovered and returned.
