A chain of vehicle thefts struck a rental company in El Paso, Texas earlier this month, with a total of 20 cars reported stolen, some of which, have been recovered while others remain missing. El Paso Police Department responded to the incident on December 2, after being alerted to the burglary at a building on 7214 N. Mesa, according to the City of El Paso. The list of recovered vehicles includes newer models like the 2024 Ford Edge and 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as a 2022 Toyota 4Runner and 2023 GMC Acadia MT. Yet to be found are vehicles such as the 2024 Nissan Altima and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta.
In this theft spree, three individuals have been arrested on various charges. Banda Aaron, a 25-year-old resident of Mission Valley in El Paso, faces multiple counts including Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and a drug possession charge. Aaron's bonds total $34,000 as per Judge Moore's rulings. Additionally, Saenz David, 43, from Central El Paso is held on similar unauthorized use charges and a theft property charge with previous convictions in play, Judge Myers set his bonds at a cumulative $50,000. The third suspect, 29-year-old East El Paso resident Duckworth Edward William, is charged with two counts of theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000, each carrying a $20,000 bond as determined by Judge Myers.
The losses to the rental company are significant, both in terms of property and potential revenue. While the recovered vehicles are a partial relief, the remaining unrecovered vehicles include a mix of sedans and an SUV, notably the 2025 Toyota Camry and 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The El Paso Police Department is continuing the investigation and calls for the public's assistance in locating the remaining stolen cars. The disrupted operations of the rental business underscore a broader concern regarding vehicle security and the challenges businesses face in deterring such brazen thefts.
