Harris County Deputies Recover $200k in Stolen Survey Equipment; One Suspect Arrested
SPRING, TX – Harris County Constable Mark Herman said his deputies have recovered almost $200,000 in stolen equipment and arrested a suspect following a business burglary investigation that began in Spring, Texas.
On November 27, 2025, patrol deputies were called to a business in the 6800 block of Lee Road, where employees reported a break-in and the theft of more than $100,000 in specialty survey equipment. Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Division and the Special Operations Unit launched an immediate follow-up and used several investigative tools to track the stolen items.
Detectives eventually located a portion of the property inside a rented commercial storage unit in the 5700 block of West Fuqua Street in Houston. Undercover surveillance was set up, and search warrants were obtained for the unit.
During the search, deputies recovered nearly $200,000 worth of stolen items. Along with the equipment reported stolen from the Spring business, investigators found property linked to theft cases in several other Texas counties.
While deputies were processing the scene, they spotted a vehicle tied to the investigation. The driver, identified as 34-year-old Melvin Rivera, was detained and found carrying additional stolen items. He was arrested and charged with second-degree felony theft. Rivera was booked into the Harris County Jail, where he is being held on the charge and an ICE detainer.
Constable Herman said the investigation is ongoing and that more charges are likely. All recovered property will be returned to the victims.
“The Harris County Precinct Four Constable’s Office applies every resource to both prevent the consequences of theft and bring offenders to justice,” Herman said.
