Abilene Man Arrested for Shooting and Suspected in Multiple Construction Site Thefts

On May 27, 2025, Abilene Police Detectives arrested Anthony Rangel Ortega, 44, after executing a warrant at a residence in North Abilene. Ortega is accused of firing shots at a nearby home days earlier.

During the search of the residence, officers discovered a large quantity of items and equipment believed to be stolen from local construction sites. Property Crimes Unit detectives responded and confirmed that many of the recovered items had been reported stolen from locations throughout the city.

Ortega was booked into the Taylor County Jail and is currently charged with Deadly Conduct (Third-Degree Felony) and Theft (State Jail Felony). His total bond is set at more than $350,000. Investigators say additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

Authorities urge any residential construction companies who suspect they may have been victims of theft to contact the Abilene Police Department’s Crimes Against Property Unit at (325) 676-6610.