On Sunday, February 2, 2020 Deputy Espinosa was dispatched to the 14000 block of SWCR 2340 in reference to burglary of a building. The victim reported a Mahindra tractor, Troy-Bilt zero turn mower, an Artic Cat ATV, guns, and several thousand dollars worth of hand and power tools as well as other assorted items had been stolen.

The victim had a game camera at the entrance to the property which captured several photos of the suspect entering and exiting through the gate over ...a span of a couple of days. On some days, with property on the ATV.

Deputy Espinosa noticed tractor tire impressions/tracks in the ground which he followed through the victim's fence. Deputy Espinosa then enlisted the help of Corporal Richards to help with the search for the stolen items.

Following the tire tracks through the fence, Deputy Espinosa located the zero turn mower on the road just a short distance from the property. The Mahindra tractor was located in the entrance of a property several miles from the crime scene.

As Corporal Richards followed the tractor tire tracks, he observed an older model truck in the area and conducted a traffic stop for an observed traffic violation. Upon further investigation, a number of hand tools and power tools were discovered in plain view in the vehicle. The victim identify the tools found as being his.

Items of clothing also found in the truck, matched the clothing being worn by the suspect on the game camera photos. The driver, John Neighbors, had outstanding theft and burglary warrants from Winkler County.

CID Sergeant Robbie Jock responded to the location to assist the Deputies with the investigation and Neighbors was arrested and later charged with Burglary of a Building in Navarro County.

Although most items have been recovered, the case is still under investigation and more arrests are expected.

I am proud of these officers and the investigation they've conducted from recovering most of the stolen property, locating and arresting a suspect to continuing with the investigation.

Sheriff Elmer Tanner