The Texas Department of Public Safety has successfully apprehended three individuals listed on Texas' 10 Most Wanted, according to an announcement released by the department. Christopher Garay and Johnny Wilson, both fugitives, along with Michael Petterson, listed as a 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender, are now in custody thanks to concerted efforts by various law enforcement entities and coordinated investigative work.
Giving chase after receiving a crucial tip, the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, including DPS Special Agents and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of the Inspector General, arrested 35-year-old Christopher Joshua Garay in San Antonio. Originally convicted in 2011 for aggravated robbery, Garay was out on parole when warrants were issued for his arrest related to aggravated assault charges in January 2024, and a parole violation the following month. Detailed information about Garay's arrest can be found at DPS website.
Coordinating with local police departments, the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force were able to apprehend Johnny Leon Wilson, 54, in Grand Prairie. In 2019, Wilson had bonded out on a murder charge and eventually tampered with his monitoring device, leading to an arrest warrant issued by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. For more on Wilson's capture, visit the following link on the DPS site.
Michael Wayne Petterson, a high-risk sex offender previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault and other offenses, was taken into custody in Dayton. He was caught following efforts by DPS Special Agents and Troopers, alongside the Chambers County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. Petterson was wanted for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements since November 2023. More about his capture can be read at this DPS page.
The Governor's Public Safety Office funds the Texas Crime Stoppers program, which rewards individuals for information leading to arrests. So far in 2024, updated statistics from the DPS report that 44 individuals including fugitives, sex offenders, and gang members have been arrested. A total of $32,000 in rewards has been paid out for tips leading to these arrests. To be eligible for a reward, informants must submit tips via a dedicated hotline, the DPS website, or through a Facebook tip feature. To view the current Most Wanted list, visit the Texas DPS website. The public is cautioned against attempting to apprehend these individuals as they are considered dangerous.
