Police bust suspected auto theft ring

McALLEN — Police arrested four people in an alleged auto theft ring involving at least six vehicles reported stolen last month.

The thieves would typically steal pickup trucks or SUVs from retail store parking lots in Edinburg, McAllen and Pharr before driving them to Mexico, criminal complaints in the case state.

There, the vehicles would be sold to a man known as “El Comandante,” typically for $300 each.

Police continue to look for Edgar “Pappas” Fernandez, a 19-year-old man wanted on four counts of auto theft and one count of aggravated assault of a peace officer.

The thefts occurred Aug. 6-19, a criminal complaint states. All the vehicles reported stolen in the case were either extended-cab pickup trucks or SUVs.

McAllen police caught a break in the case Aug. 19 when a man reported a blue Jeep Liberty stolen from the parking lot at U.S. Renal Care, 1301 E. Ridge Road.

Officers responded and found the stolen SUV, chasing it through the city and into Mission. During the pursuit, Fernandez, who was driving the Jeep, allegedly tried to run over Mission police officers as they tried to stop the vehicle with a spike strip. He managed to flee the area on foot.

Arrested in the auto theft ring were:

>> Natalie Tabares, 22, of Mission, who faces six counts of auto theft, one count of attempted auto theft and one count of organized criminal activity. Tabares told investigators she was paid $100 each time she picked up the men who would steal the vehicles and take them to Mexico. Her bond was set at $520,000.

>> Jonathan Torres, 20, of Peñitas, who faces three counts of auto theft, one count of attempted auto theft and one count of organized criminal activity. His bond was set at $300,000.

>> Juan Mendoza, 28, of Weslaco, who faces two counts of auto theft. His bond was set at $130,000.

>> Fernando Israel De La Cruz, 25, of Reynosa, who faces one count of auto theft. His bond was set at $60,000.

The most serious charge — engaging in organized criminal activity — is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 upon conviction.

The maximum punishment for auto theft varies based on the value of the stolen vehicle. The most serious theft charges in this case carry up to a 10-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.