Police say a San Antonio man turned stolen truck parts into a six-figure side hustle before the operation finally hit a red light.
Officers arrested 36-year-old Roy Diaz after an investigation that, according to KENS5, uncovered more than $100,000 worth of stolen pickup taillights and other items. Investigators say they also found additional property estimated at over $125,000, a vehicle they valued at about $75,000 and more than 20 firearms tied to the case. Diaz was booked on theft-related charges while detectives sort through the haul and work with prosecutors to log everything as potential evidence.
Taillight Thefts Are Draining Truck Owners' Wallets
The bust comes in the middle of a surge in taillight thefts across San Antonio, with truck owners, especially those driving Ford pickups, complaining about sky-high repair bills. The San Antonio Express-News has reported on a string of pickup break-ins at La Cantera Resort and noted that thieves are targeting the pricey electronics built into modern taillight assemblies, which can cost several thousand dollars to replace.
Police have urged drivers to take extra precautions, including parking in well lit areas, locking tailgates and using anti-theft kits that make it harder to yank taillights off in seconds, the San Antonio Express-News reports.
What Investigators Say Happens Next
SAPD detectives told KENS5 that their probe is centered on the resale of stolen goods. The mountain of recovered parts and other property is expected to serve as key evidence as the investigation continues. Officers and prosecutors will work through the inventory, try to match items to reported thefts and reach out to possible victims. Initial reports did not list any upcoming court dates or additional arrests.
If Your Truck Was Hit
Truck owners who think their taillights or other parts were stolen are urged to file a police report and hang on to receipts or photos of the original equipment to help confirm ownership later. Officers also suggest checking online resale platforms and pawn records, then flagging any likely matches to detectives so recovered property can be traced back to its owners. Tips about this or similar theft operations can be passed along to SAPD or submitted through the city Crime Stoppers program.
