Edinburg PD arrests suspect for string of vehicle burglaries

Edinburg, TX, May 9, 2023 – The Edinburg Police Department apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for a string of vehicle burglaries in the area. Julio Cesar Vela, a 22-year-old arrested by the San Juan Police Department for related crimes was charged with the Edinburg burglaries.

Between January 24th and January 27th, 2023, the Edinburg Police department responded to multiple reports of burglaries in neighborhoods spanning from the 2100 to 2800 block of South McColl Rd. Following an investigation, authorities identified a male suspect and released photos to the public in hopes of gaining information.

On March 31st, 2023, two more vehicles were burglarized in the same area, leading investigators to believe that the same suspect was responsible. Then, on April 3rd and 4th, the Edinburg Police Department responded to sixteen more reports of burglaries in the vicinity of S. McColl Rd. and Freddy Gonzalez Dr. One auto theft and one burglary of a habitation occurred as well.

On April 4th, 2023, the San Juan Police Department arrested Vela following a vehicle pursuit with a stolen car from one of the burglaries reported in Edinburg. Thanks to the work of the Edinburg PD Criminal Investigators and the South Texas Auto Theft Enforcement Task Force, Vela was linked to 27 vehicle burglaries, three attempted vehicle burglaries, three thefts (including two firearm thefts), one burglary of a habitation, and one auto theft.

Vela, who has previous arrests for burglary of vehicles and other property crimes, was arraigned before Edinburg Municipal Court Judge Hector Bustos on Monday.

In light of these events, the Edinburg Police Department would like to remind the public of the importance of securing their vehicles. They recommend locking cars, taking keys, parking in well-lit areas, using garages when available, hiding valuables, and calling the Edinburg PD if you witness suspicious activity.