West Texas Crime Spree Suspect Confesses to 24 Crimes Across Three Counties

BIG SPRING, Texas – A West Texas man has confessed to a multi-county crime spree involving stolen vehicles, firearms and dozens of vehicle burglaries after investigators used a Crime Stoppers tip, license plate reader technology and coordinated law enforcement efforts to identify and arrest him.

The investigation began July 28 when the Big Spring Police Department and the Howard County Sheriff’s Office started investigating a series of stolen vehicles, vehicle burglaries and firearm thefts reported in their jurisdictions.

According to investigators, a Crime Stoppers tip provided critical information that helped identify a suspect. Detectives then used Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology to identify a suspect vehicle.

With assistance from the Texas Rangers, investigators determined the vehicle had been in the area during the time the crimes occurred. The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Justin Wright of Pecos County.

Authorities said a Pecos County Sheriff’s deputy serving the Sheffield and Iraan area also played a key role by confirming Wright’s recent association with the vehicle.

On July 30, investigators learned of a similar pattern of vehicle burglaries, stolen vehicles and firearm thefts in neighboring Glasscock County. Officials said the crimes shared the same modus operandi as those being investigated in Howard County.

Through coordinated efforts involving the Big Spring Police Department, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers, investigators linked Wright to the additional crimes.

Wright was located at a relative’s residence in Glasscock County and was taken into custody without incident.

Investigators said Wright later provided a full confession that cleared 24 separate criminal investigations across Howard, Glasscock and another jurisdiction.

According to authorities, the confession resolved investigations involving four stolen vehicles, six stolen firearms, two residential burglaries, two felony criminal mischief cases and 15 vehicle burglaries.

Investigators have also recovered multiple items reported stolen during the crime spree.

Law enforcement officials credited the successful investigation to the combination of public assistance through Crime Stoppers, the use of Flock ALPR technology and close cooperation among local agencies and the Texas Rangers.

The investigation remains active, and additional charges could be filed as investigators continue reviewing the evidence.