A car stolen from a San Antonio driveway in late March has resurfaced on the city’s West Side, and police say it may be tied to a wider string of auto thefts.
San Antonio police said Tuesday that officers recovered the stolen vehicle in the driveway of an abandoned home on the 9700 block of Vale Drive. Several people at the property were detained at the scene, and the owner of the car, which was reported stolen from their driveway on March 23, was notified and headed out to retrieve it.
According to KENS‑TV, officers found the vehicle parked at the unoccupied house and secured the area while investigators worked the scene. Police told KENS‑TV they believe the car is connected to several other vehicle thefts that detectives are currently investigating. Multiple people at the property were detained as part of that follow up work.
How recoveries are processed
Under San Antonio Police Department procedures, recovered stolen vehicles go through the department’s Vehicle Crimes Unit before they are released back to their owners. That inspection and paperwork process helps preserve evidence and lets detectives match a single recovery to other vehicle thefts, which can be especially important when one car is suspected of being used in multiple incidents.
Investigation status
Investigators told KENS‑TV they believe the recovered vehicle may be tied to a series of thefts, although police have not said whether any formal charges have been filed in connection with the case. The owner has been notified and was on the way to reclaim the car, according to KENS‑TV.
Why neighbors should care
Vehicle thefts and stolen cars that get recycled into other crimes remain a concern in San Antonio. On the West Side in particular, past recoveries have turned up more than just the cars themselves, including weapons and narcotics, as described in a recent Hoodline report on guns, drugs, and two suspects on the run. Police continue to urge residents to lock vehicles, remove keys and valuables, and report anything that seems out of place.
Anyone with information about the Vale Drive recovery or related thefts is asked to call the San Antonio Police Department’s non emergency line at 210‑207‑7273 or visit the department’s site at San Antonio Police Department for tips and resources. Anonymous tips can also be provided through local Crime Stoppers programs.
