The long arm of Texas law has reeled in three of the state's most wanted men, thanks to a collaborative force of local and federal agencies. Texas' own Department of Public Safety heralded the back-to-back captures of notorious fugitives Juan Huerta, Jesse Vega, and Hayden Abel III, all featured on the Most Wanted lists for various heinous crimes.

On the lam since late 2023, Huerta faced a slew of charges including aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency. Nabbed in Amarillo by the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, the arrest involved DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents and the local police, as per Texas DPS. Vega, who got a one-way ticket back behind bars in San Antonio, was out on parole for aggravated robbery when he tripped the wire on a parole violation. He was rounded up by the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and a posse of law enforcers from various Texas agencies.

Meanwhile, Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang member Abel landed back in cuffs in Ingleside, following his disregard for sex offender registration laws after a previous sexual burglary conviction. The capture, as told by Texas DPS, showcases the concerted efforts of DPS Special Agents and Highway Patrol Troopers, who donned their badges firmly to eliminate the threats these fugitives posed to public safety.

The triumvirate's apprehension marks a victory for Texas Crime Stoppers, an initiative funded by the Governor's Criminal Justice Division which rewards tipsters who drop the dime leading to such arrests. To date, 13 fugitives including seven sex offenders and five gang members from the state's notorious top 10 lists have been corralled in 2024 alone. For those feeling lucky—or civic—for information, the hotline remains open at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), while digitally inclined snitches can submit tips via the DPS website or Facebook page, all under anonymity's comforting cloak.

DPS continues to work in lockstep with local law enforcement to keep the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders Lists updated and accessible, urging the public to peep at the photos and profiles on the DPS website. But, they issue a stern caution: do not try to play hero with these dangerous individuals, leave it to the pros.