A wanted gang member wanted for vehicle burglaries and credit-card abuse was arrested Monday after allegedly hitting a Balcones Heights officer with his car while attempting to flee. The officer suffered minor injuries and is expected to recover.
Multi-agency surveillance led to the confrontation
According to the San Antonio Express-News, Balcones Heights investigators worked with the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, San Antonio PD, and Converse PD to track the suspect. When officers attempted to arrest him, he fled, hitting an officer and throwing him to the ground. Police Chief Roger Cavazos said the collaboration ensured the suspect was safely taken into custody and prevented further harm.
Officer treated and suspect booked
Medical personnel evaluated the injured officer at the scene, and police say his injuries were minor. Officers quickly tracked down the suspect with help from a San Antonio Police Department helicopter and booked him into the Bexar County jail on multiple charges. According to KSAT, he is facing counts of aggravated assault of a peace officer, evading arrest and a parole violation, along with other felony charges tied to the burglary investigation.
Police identified the suspect as 38-year-old Justin Corey Martinez Bautista, a gang member with an extensive criminal history and a person of interest in the vehicle burglaries and credit-card fraud under investigation. Authorities say his arrest may help close several active cases and prevent further thefts. Balcones Heights PD credited regional partners for assisting in tracking and apprehending Bautista, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Legal next steps
Bautista was booked on a parole violation and multiple felony charges, which could carry significant prison time. The parole violation is expected to influence any bond decision. Court records indicate the case will move through Bexar County criminal courts as investigators complete related burglary and credit-card abuse probes, according to KSAT.
