Two Arrested in Downtown Houston Vehicle Burglaries, Seven Firearms Recovered
Two suspects have been charged in connection with a series of motor vehicle burglaries in downtown Houston. Terry Jose Emanuel, 21, and Jarek Jace Thomas, 23, are now facing charges related to felony theft of a firearm in the 183rd State District Court, as well as burglary of a motor vehicle and evading arrest on foot in Harris County Criminal Court #9.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for a string of vehicle burglaries that occurred at various downtown parking lots, including locations at 2000 Congress Street, 2199 Dallas Street, 2200 Dallas Street, and 700 Chartres Street.
The arrests stemmed from a proactive operation conducted by the Houston Police Department (HPD) on Sunday, October 15, in the downtown area near Minute Maid Park. Officers from the HPD Auto Theft Division and the Downtown Patrol Division Crime Suppression Unit were investigating a surge in vehicle burglaries in the area. During the operation, officers received reports of several burglaries on the eastside of downtown near Chartres Street. Based on this information, they identified a possible suspect vehicle and began checking parking lots in the vicinity.
While conducting their search, officers spotted the suspect vehicle driving without its headlights on near St. Emanuel and Dallas Streets, close to one of the reported burglaries. Additional HPD patrol and Crime Suppression Team officers rushed to the scene. When officers tried to initiate a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, the suspects decided to flee on foot.
Jarek Jace Thomas, the driver of the vehicle, was swiftly detained after a short foot chase. Terry Jose Emanuel, the passenger, exited the vehicle and made an attempt to escape on foot, dropping numerous firearms in the process. He was detained following a brief pursuit.
Upon searching the suspects and their vehicle, officers discovered seven firearms, various other items, and a substantial amount of cash, totaling $41,000.
In light of these events, the HPD is reminding motorists to take precautions to prevent firearm thefts by either leaving their guns at home or ensuring they are securely stored in a gun safe within their vehicles.
