Garland police say a months-long investigation into a suspected vehicle-theft crew ended in early April with five arrests and a haul of stolen property they believe spans multiple North Texas cities. Investigators allege the group targeted older-model Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge trucks and work vans, pulling off at least 25 vehicle thefts and making off with more than $62,000 in property. All five suspects are being held at the Dallas County Jail, according to police.
In a Facebook post, the Garland Police Department identified the suspects as Taylor Baker, 33, Mario Oder Hernandez, 31, Jonathan Yarzabal, 29, Malcolm Faggett, 34, and Cesar Ortega, 33. Police said all five are in the Dallas County Jail and are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, along with multiple counts of theft of motor vehicles, burglary of motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicle parts.
According to the department, the crew is accused of stealing at least 25 vehicles and burglarizing trucks and vans in Garland and neighboring cities, where they allegedly took more than $62,000 worth of property. To build the case, investigators tapped several units, including criminal investigations detectives, neighborhood officers and the gang unit. The investigation is still active, and detectives say they are continuing to follow leads.
Why This Matters in Texas
Motor vehicle crime is not just a neighborhood headache; it is a statewide issue that often crosses city and county lines. According to the Texas District & County Attorneys Association, the Texas Department of Public Safety recorded 97,246 stolen vehicles in 2024. The state’s Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority funds task forces that zero in on organized auto theft operations, including large, multi-scene rings that may involve VIN switches, chop shops and the resale of stolen parts, all of which can make cases harder to investigate and prosecute.
Charges and Next Steps
Garland police say the case is far from closed. The department’s post noted that the investigation remains active and that detectives are still chasing down information linked to the suspected theft ring. Police did not release bond details for the five defendants and did not say whether they expect additional arrests. Anyone with information is urged to contact Garland investigators through the department’s tip lines.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
Police used the arrests as a reminder that basic habits still matter. The department is urging residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and call in suspicious activity as soon as they see it, steps that state officials also recommend.
The Texas Department of Insurance notes that keys left in vehicles and unlocked doors are frequent factors in thefts. The agency advises drivers to take key fobs inside, park in well-lit areas and use visible anti-theft devices when they can. Small precautions like those can make it tougher for crews that favor older work trucks and vans to operate quietly in North Texas neighborhoods.
