SAPD Find Man Asleep at Wheel: Arrested for Outstanding Warrant, Meth, Stolen Vehicle & Property

SAN ANGELO, TX- This morning, at approximately 9:14 a.m., San Angelo Police arrested 26-year-old John Chapman after finding him asleep at the wheel, with his vehicle in drive.

Only the vehicle was not his.

Public Information Officer Tracy Gonzalez said when officers dispatched to the intersection of North Bishop and Caddo St. for the report of a driver asleep behind the wheel.

"When officers got there, they made contact with the driver who was asleep," said Gonzalez. "They woke him up; the vehicle was still in drive."

Gonzalez said officers then identified Chapman, Jr., who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. His arrest record, however, shows Virgil John Chapman, Jr.

Chapman was arrested for the warrant, and during the investigation, officers found narcotics on his person. They field tested positive for methamphetamine.

"I don't have a weight amount. I don't know what his charge will be right now," Gonzalez explained.

Also, through the course of the investigation, while running a check on the VIN number because the vehicle was missing a back plate, officers determined the vehicle, originally a silver 2008 Ford Explorer, was previously reported stolen on Jan. 9 from the 500 block of Van Zandt St.  

"Some person attempted to conceal the original color by doing an extremely poor paint job on certain portions of the vehicle," added Gonzalez.

She also said this is an ongoing investigation, and detectives will be interviewing the arrestee back at SAPD Headquarters.

"Of course, additional charges may be [forthcoming], just depending on the outcome of the investigation," noted Gonzalez. 

She said officers are not aware if the driver was under the influence of anything.

CID was called out, and investigators are processing the vehicle for evidence. In addition to the vehicle theft, officials recovered some property from the vehicle that has been linked to another vehicle burglary separate from this incident.

"We're hoping this will clear up a couple of cases," Officer Gonzalez said.

This will be Chapman's 8th arrest in Tom Green County.

UPDATE: 3:52 p.m. 

SAPD has just released an update in regards to John Chapman who was arrested this morning. After his arrest, Chapman was transported to Police Headquarters for questioning. Following his interview, Chapman was transported to the Tom Green County Jail where he has been booked on Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, State Jail Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, and his outstanding warrants. 

This is an ongoing investigation and SAPD says that additional charges may be forthcoming pending the outcome of the investigation. Detective Jason Chegwidden is the lead investigator on this case.