1-15-2013 Stolen Truck Arrest

JANUARY 15, 2013.

PRESS RELEASE

ParkerCounty Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Fort Worth man Saturday, Jan. 14, 2013.

Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 tractor-trailer with Indiana license plates in the 2200 block of North West Parkway in Azle around 2:30 p.m.

The driver of the truck, identified as Fred G. Fuentes, 47, told deputies, “I know what this is about.”

When deputies inquired as to what Fuentes was referring to, he stated, “Why you stopped me.”

Deputies again questioned Fuentes as to why he thought he was being stopped. Fuentes replied, “Because the truck is stolen.”

Deputies then informed Fuentes he was being stopped for a non-working headlamp.

The tractor/trailer was confirmed as being reported stolen out of Fort Worth from Swift Transportation Corporation. Deputies contacted the trucking company, in which representatives reported Fuentes did not have permission to be in possession or use the tractor/trailer. Fuentes told deputies he did not work for Swift.

The vehicle was impounded and Fuentes was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a state jail felony. As of Monday afternoon, Fuentes remains incarcerated at the Parker County Jail. His bond was set at $7,500.

Sheriff’s Auto Theft Task Force investigators said Fuentes is connected to a separate case involving another stolen tractor/trailer. The complainant reported his tractor/trailer was stolen on Christmas day from Grand Prairie. The victim received an anonymous phone call on Jan. 10, 2013, informing him that the frame and engine of his tractor along with the box trailer was located in the 700 block of Cowboys Lane in Springtown. The victim reported the tractor had been stripped with many of the parts present. Sheriff’s investigators notified the Tarrant Regional Auto Crimes Task Force and are working closely with Haltom City Police, Grand Prairie Police and Fort Worth investigators on the cases.

Investigators said future charges are pending those investigations.