Wednesday, November 20, 2024
LocalNewsOnly
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grapevine Police Crack Multi-Million Dollar Cargo Theft Operation
Grapevine Police detectives and patrol officers identified and dismantled a multi-million dollar cargo theft operation responsible for numerous burglaries across north Texas. Their extensive investigation, conducted in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has helped connect cases in multiple cities.
The investigation began in late spring, following a warehouse burglary on May 13, 2024, where thieves stole approximately $500,000 worth of Ray-Ban glasses and Oculus goggles. Surveillance footage revealed that one suspect cut a hole in a bay door to access and unload merchandise from several pallets.
The Grapevine Police crime analyst created a comprehensive law enforcement bulletin featuring photos of the suspects, the stolen box truck used in the heist, and details of their methods. A neighboring law enforcement agency quickly responded, suspecting that the same group was linked to similar burglaries in their jurisdiction. The crime analyst also identified 2023 crime bulletins from other North Texas cities involving suspects using the same burglary methods.
Through collaboration with Uniform Operations and agencies across north Texas, Grapevine detectives uncovered an elaborate criminal organization active since at least 2023. Suspects were linked to seven burglaries committed between August 2023 and June 2024.
In August 2024, investigators observed a suspect vehicle returning to Grapevine and circling a warehouse known for storing large quantities of electronics. Grapevine Police launched a drone for surveillance and confirmed an active burglary. The swift and coordinated response by patrol officers prevented the theft of significant merchandise.
The suspects narrowly avoided capture by employing multiple lookouts throughout the city, who tipped them off to the police response seconds before the officers’ arrival. However, one suspect was apprehended that night, and six more arrests followed between August and early November.
The following individuals have been charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a first-degree felony:
- Adrian Ellison, 38, Dallas – No Mug – Arrested by Dallas
- Julius Green, 40, Dallas
- Willie Hill, 38, Dallas
- Eric White, 33, Dallas
- Fayzal Kara, 40, Carrollton
- Ronnie Vaden, 33, Dallas
- Derrick White, 38, Dallas
GREEN
HILL
KARA
WHITE, D
WHITE, E
Grapevine Police attribute the success of the operation to strong collaboration with neighboring law enforcement agencies, whose cooperation helped connect multiple cases and gather critical evidence. Grapevine Police thank all involved for their dedication and commitment to solving these complex crimes.
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Amanda McNew, CPC
Office of Strategic Communication
Grapevine Police
1007 Ira E. Woods
Grapevine, TX 76051
O: 817.410.3205
