Press Release by Frio County Sheriff’s Office–On June 18, 2025, Deputies were able to recover a stolen zero-turn lawnmower from a gentleman from Spring Branch, Texas. This gentleman allowed the Deputies to have all his communications extracted from his phone. Upon reviewing the information that he provided, Officers were able to issue warrants for Victor James Cruz for a theft that was committed at our local pond.
While investigating the case Investigators began to piece together a possible organized theft ring operating throughout Frio County. Some of these suspected cases were initially reported to Dilley PD or Pearsall PD and were still open.
Deputies were then led to information showing that Cruz was attempting to sell a backhoe tractor that officers believed was stolen. Investigators were able to contact Cruz, who unknowingly agreed to sell the backhoe to an undercover Deputy. Cruz told the undercover deputy to meet him at the westside cemetery in Pearsall so the deputy could inspect the backhoe and buy it for $3,500.00. It was only days before that FCSO Investigators had recovered stolen lawnmower from Radio Lane in this same vicinity. The undercover deputy arrived at the location and met with Cruz, as the deputies surrounded the area. Cruz advised the deputy to stand by, and he was then seen by the deputy driving the backhoe out of the brush area near the westside cemetery.
Deputies swarmed into the area, while Cruz attempted to flee on foot. Cruz was found hiding under some brush nearby. Cruz was then transported……LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Cruz charged with multiple felony theft, more charges still to come including burglary, and engaging in organized criminal activity
