Police Nab Four Teens in Lake Nasworthy Car Burglary Spree

One adult and three juveniles are facing multiple charges after an early morning investigation into reports of gunfire, a vehicle crash, and vehicle burglaries near Lake Nasworthy.

Just before 6:00 a.m. this morning, San Angelo police were dispatched to the 1800 block of South Concho Drive for the report of shots fired.  Upon arrival, police searched the area but were initially unable to locate any victims or evidence of damaged property. 

At approximately 6:13 a.m., police were dispatched to the 3700 block of Country Club Road in reference to a motor vehicle accident.  Upon arrival, police discovered an unoccupied 1999 Mitsubishi Galant, disabled in the trees.  During an examination of the vehicle, police discovered several items that appeared to be stolen property along with spent shell casings and a handgun holster.  Witnesses at the crash scene identified themselves to police and said that just prior to the crash; they observed the Galant’s occupants burglarize their vehicle in the 100 block of Las Lomas. After the victims confronted the suspects, the suspects drove off in the Galant.  The victims followed the Galant in an attempt to get the license plate for police, but backed off from the Galant after one of the suspects allegedly fired rounds at them from the vehicle.  No one was injured.     

A short time later, police located the alleged burglary suspects near the boat ramp on Beaty Road.  When officers attempted to detain them, one male ran away. But he was quickly taken into custody.  The three other suspects were taken into custody without incident.  Detectives with the SAPD Criminal Investigations Division and the Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene to further the investigation.  It was discovered that one of the males, later identified as 19-year-old Jose E. Romero, was the registered owner of the Galant. 

As officers were conducting the two investigations, Police dispatch received additional burglary calls from victims in the 100 block of Las Lomas.  The reported stolen items matched the descriptions of the items located in the Galant. 

So far, investigators have cleared four vehicle burglaries and returned the stolen property to the respective owners.  If you live in that area and discover your vehicle was burglarized sometime during the night or early morning hours, please contact the San Angelo Police Department at 325-657-4315 to make a report.  Additional recovered stolen property will remain in evidence until it has been identified. 

Romero and the juveniles were charged with four counts of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle.  A 14-year-old, who had been previously reported as a missing juvenile, was also charged with Evading Arrest/Detention.  A 16-year-old was additionally charged with Class B Possession of Marijuana. 

This is an ongoing investigation.