Three Suspects Arrested in San Antonio Car Burglary Ring
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SAN ANTONIO – Three individuals are in custody following a San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) investigation into a series of car burglaries on the city’s West Side. Adrian Isaac Hernandez, Oscar Carvajal, both 19, and 18-year-old Lincoln Gauge Mertins were arrested Thursday evening after being linked to multiple incidents, according to SAPD.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
According to SAPD spokesperson Washington Moscoso,the suspects were initially caught attempting to break into a vehicle Thursday morning. Further investigation revealed that these individuals were also connected to an earlier robbery reported around 6 a.m. the same day. The vehicle’s owner confronted the suspects, who then brandished a weapon before fleeing the scene. Patrol officers pursued them from the vicinity of Loop 410 and Ingram Road to a residence on Westlyn Drive.
Did You know? Vehicle burglaries in San Antonio have seen a 15% increase in the last quarter, prompting increased police patrols in targeted areas.
Mertins was apprehended near the intersection of bronc Drive and Westward Drive. Hernandez and Carvajal were found inside the Westlyn Drive home and later arrested. A Bexar County judge set Mertins’ combined bond for all charges at $155,000, according to court documents.
Charges Against Mertins
Mertins faces a multitude of charges:
- Vehicle burglary (misdemeanor)
- Evading arrest with a vehicle (third-degree felony)
- Unlawfully carrying a weapon (misdemeanor)
- Tampering with evidence (third-degree felony)
- Theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000 (third-degree felony)
Charges against Hernandez
Hernandez is facing the following charges in connection with Thursday’s incident:
- Aggravated robbery (first-degree felony)
- Vehicle burglary (misdemeanor)
- Intent to give false information (misdemeanor)
A judge set his bond on these charges at $130,000, records show. Jail records also indicate that he was wanted on an unrelated evading arrest charge, a third-degree felony, from March 2024. Court records show Hernandez has been remanded without bond on that charge.
Carvajal’s Arrest
Carvajal was arrested on an aggravated robbery charge, according to county records. His bond was set at $100,000.
Pro Tip: Securing your vehicle with an alarm system and parking in well-lit areas can deter potential burglars.
“Nuisance House” and Stolen Property
Moscoso described the Westlyn Drive home as “a nuisance house” where officers previously recovered stolen property. SAPD initially reported that its SWAT team had set up a perimeter around the home and asked a potential fourth suspect to surrender.However, the department later clarified that only three suspects were taken into custody. In total, authorities recovered two stolen vehicles and other stolen property at the residence.
Bail Bonds
Bail bonds are a common practice in the United States, allowing defendants to be released from custody while awaiting trial. The amount of the bond is resolute by a judge and is influenced by factors such as the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the risk of flight. According to the Vera institute of Justice, bail amounts can considerably impact a defendant’s ability to prepare for thier case and can lead to disparities in outcomes.
| Suspect | Age | Key Charges | Bond Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Gauge Mertins | 18 | Vehicle Burglary, evading Arrest, Theft | $155,000 |
| Adrian Isaac Hernandez | 19 | Aggravated Robbery, Vehicle Burglary | $130,000 |
| Oscar Carvajal | 19 | Aggravated Robbery | $100,000 |
Understanding Car burglary Trends
Car burglary, also known as vehicle burglary or breaking and entering of a vehicle, remains a persistent crime across the United States.Factors contributing to these crimes include economic conditions, the availability of valuable items left in vehicles, and the perceived risk of apprehension. Law enforcement agencies frequently enough implement strategies such as increased patrols, public awareness campaigns, and community policing initiatives to combat car burglaries.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, larceny-theft, which includes car burglary, is one of the most common property crimes reported in the United States. Understanding the patterns and motivations behind these crimes is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
frequently Asked Questions About Car Burglary
What should I do if my car is burglarized?
If your car is burglarized, immediately report the incident to the police. Document any damage or missing items, and contact your insurance company to file a claim.
How can I prevent car burglary?
To prevent car burglary, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, park in well-lit areas, and consider installing a car alarm system. Always lock your doors and roll up your windows.
What are the penalties for car burglary?
The penalties for car burglary vary depending on the jurisdiction and the value of the stolen items. It can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, with potential fines and jail time.
What is the difference between car burglary and car theft?
Car burglary involves breaking into a vehicle to steal items inside, while car theft involves stealing the entire vehicle.
Are certain types of vehicles more prone to car burglary?
While any vehicle can be a target, certain types of vehicles, such as those with easily accessible cargo areas or older models with less refined security systems, might potentially be more vulnerable.
Have you ever been a victim of car burglary? What steps do you take to protect your vehicle? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!