Lawnmower Bandit Identified by Police

SAN ANGELO, TX -- San Angelo Police have identified the man caught on video stealing a lawnmower.  

According to the SAPD, onn the morning of July 16, 2019, San Angelo Police Officer D. Martin observed a man suspiciously pushing a lawnmower across traffic in the 1300 block of Knickerbocker Road. The man, who was wearing all red, was identified as 35-year-old Jimmy Garcia of San Angelo. Garcia was arrested for outstanding warrants and was subsequently charged with Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1-Methamphetamine following a search incident to his arrest. The lawnmower was seized and tagged into evidence in order to prevent the consequences of theft.

Several days later, SAPD Patrol Sergeant M. Medley was monitoring the Ring Neighbors Portal when he noticed a video upload titled, “Man in all red stole lawn mower from carport”. Upon reviewing the video, Sgt. Medley and Officer Martin confirmed Garcia’s identity and the theft was referred to the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation. 

Subsequent to the follow-up investigation, a warrant of arrest for the charge of Burglary of Building was obtained for Garcia, who was still in custody at the Tom Green County Jail following his July 16 arrest.

This “Solved by Video Evidence” is just one of many recent cases resolved using home video surveillance technology.

In early April, the Department announced its partnership with Neighbors by Ring, a free app that allows residents to upload and share real-time videos and safety information. 

Residents can download the app to an iOS or Android smartphone by texting "StaySafe" to 555888 or by visiting https://shop.ring.com/pages/neighbo….