Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, West Texas Tango Gang Member Captured in Midland

MIDLAND, Texas – A Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive and documented West Texas Tango gang member is back in custody after authorities tracked him to a Midland residence.

Ronnie Matthew Velarde, 37, was arrested Aug. 18 following a multiagency fugitive investigation, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

DPS said investigators were following up on tip information when members of the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force located Velarde at a residence in Midland.

Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agents, Midland police officers and Midland County sheriff’s deputies participated in the arrest. Midland Crime Stoppers and the Texas Anti-Gang Permian Basin Center also assisted with the investigation.

Velarde had been wanted since May for a parole violation connected to previous charges of burglary of a habitation and engaging in organized criminal activity.

According to DPS, Velarde has a criminal history in the Midland area dating to 2008. His previous convictions include burglary of a habitation, engaging in organized criminal activity, evading arrest or detention, theft, criminal mischief, failure to identify, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.

Velarde has served multiple terms in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was most recently released on parole in April 2025.

DPS said a Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for information that contributed to his capture.