25-Year-Old Wanted Fugitive Arrested in Stolen Vehicle

A 25-year-old San Angelo man and fugitive from justice was arrested Wednesday after he was found driving a stolen vehicle, said Officer Tracy Gonzalez, public information officer for the San Angelo Police Department.

Gonzalez said, at around 9:20 a.m. yesterday, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Montague Street to check the welfare of a man who was reportedly passed out in a vehicle that was parked the wrong way in the roadway. The driver’s door was reported open since 7:00 a.m.

"Officer R. Stuart responded, located the vehicle in question and noted the vehicle was without license plates," said Gonzalez. "When Officer Stuart attempted to make contact with the male occupant, the man drove off."

Gonzalez added that Officer Stuart followed the silver 2012 Chrysler 200 and initiated a traffic stop once backup arrived. 

"Officers were able to make contact with the driver after he pulled into the Super 8 Motel located at 410 W. Avenue L," Gonzalez noted.

During the traffic investigation, officers learned the vehicle was reported stolen from a residence on Coke Street earlier in the shift. The driver, who initially gave police a fake name, was later identified as Joaquin Maldonado. Maldonado was confirmed to have an outstanding Arrest Warrant for Parole Violation.

"Maldonado was arrested for his outstanding Warrant and Fail to Identify Fugitive from Justice," said Gonzalez.

Detective Jason Chegwidden followed up with the investigation, and Maldonado was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. 

The vehicle was processed for evidence and later returned to the registered owner.