The coordinated efforts of local law enforcement led to the capture of Esteban Acosta, a fugitive with an outstanding vehicle theft warrant, who was arrested on Wednesday. The Texas Department of Public Safety - West Texas Region praised the El Paso Police Department for their crucial role in apprehending the 35-year-old Vado, N.M. resident.
Acosta’s run from the law began on April 10, when a white Chevrolet Equinox he was driving allegedly evaded a DPS Trooper following a traffic and equipment violation on I-10. A chase ensued, but the Trooper eventually lost sight of the vehicle, which was later found abandoned in a desert area near local schools. Found inside the vehicle was a bag containing Acosta’s inmate ID, pinpointing him as the suspect behind the wheel. In addition to his warrant for vehicle theft, Acosta now also faces charges for evading arrest and is believed to be associated with the Crucés Boyz gang.
The pursuit of Acosta led to temporary safety measures being implemented at nearby educational institutions; schools, including Lone Star, Canutillo, and Aldrete, were put on brief lockdowns. The tension lasted until late afternoon when an all-clear was issued around 2:55 p.m., and the restrictions at the schools were lifted.
