Four arrested for vehicle burglaries, engaging in organized crime

Four teenagers were arrested Friday morning for allegedly burglarizing cars and engaging in organized criminal activity in San Marcos. 

Cristian Avila-Solis, 17, Kevin Herrera, 17, Fabian Rodriguez, 18, and Francisco Zapata, 17, were arrested by the San Marcos Police Department on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and burglary of vehicle.

Officials said two SMPD officers were flagged down near the corner of Wonder World Drive and Stagecoach Trail at approximately 12:22 a.m. on Friday. Officials say a victim advised officers that his vehicle had just been burglarized on the 300 block of Mariposa. The victim got into his vehicle and was following the offenders through San Marcos and was able to direct the officers to the offenders’ vehicle, police said. 

An SMPD officer located the offenders’ vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the Lowe's Home Improvement parking lot — 2211 S. Interstate 35. Police conducted an investigation and discovered that the four teenagers had been burglarizing vehicles in the Mariposa Street area. 

Avila-Solis was arrested on additional charge of aggravated robbery out of Travis County. He was released from the Hays County Jail on $12,000 surety bond. 

Herrera was arrested on an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was also held on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer. 

Rodriguez was released on a $12,000 surety bond, while Zapata was released on a $10,000 surety bond. 

According to SMPD, it is unknown how many items were stolen, however, checks and a set of wheel locks were recovered. Police say additional victims have not come forward at this time. The investigation into Friday’s incident is ongoing.