What started as a brazen February break-in at Jones Powersports in Durant has now been tied to what investigators describe as a multi-state theft ring, with a Texas man sitting in an Oklahoma jail as the case widens.
Authorities say 33-year-old Matthew Eric Lara was the man behind the wheel of the truck used in the burglary, part of an alleged crew that tried to haul off more than $500,000 in utility-terrain vehicles and equipment from the longtime local dealership.
Back in February, the Bryan County Sheriff's Office determined that a possibly stolen pickup had been used to smash into Jones Powersports, where suspects then tried to load several UTVs straight out of the showroom. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation later concluded the incident "was part of a larger organized operation in Oklahoma and Texas" and began working closely with local deputies on the case. As reported by KOKH, investigators put the value of the targeted inventory at more than $500,000.
"OSBI special agents identified 33-year-old Matthew Eric Lara," investigators said, according to the station. From there, the search turned interstate. Authorities tracked Lara to Austin, where he boarded a flight to Los Angeles. He was taken into custody after landing and transported back to Oklahoma earlier this week to face charges of larceny of an auto, second-degree burglary and violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. As KOKH notes, Lara is the son of the registered owner of the vehicle investigators tied to the Durant break-in.
Local Shop Targeted
Jones Powersports is a well-known Durant dealer that sells ATVs, side-by-sides and aftermarket parts to customers across southeast Oklahoma. A Chamber of Commerce listing shows the business operating on West Highway 70, serving riders throughout Bryan County.
The attempted heist has shaken area dealers and prompted investigators to ask the public for any surveillance footage, tips or leads that might help identify additional suspects tied to the operation.
Charges And What Comes Next
Lara has been returned to Bryan County to face state charges, and officials say the investigation is still active while agents and deputies continue gathering evidence.
Authorities have not released any information on bail, and they have not said whether they expect more arrests. Prosecutors are set to review the file as the case moves forward through the courts.
