Lawnmower theft helps ID fugitive

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A wanted fugitive’s plan to sell a stolen riding lawnmower was halted last week when Jacob Torres, 39, was arrested Friday, October 3, after attempting to disguise a stolen Cub Cadet with a new coat of paint.
Torres had been listed as wanted on five warrants ranging from misdemeanors to state jail felonies.
According to a report on the case, deputies had been alerted to the theft of a yellow Cub Cadet mower from a home on Avant Street in Dilley around 9 a.m. Friday.
Emergency dispatchers received a call from a concerned resident who reported seeing Torres painting the piece of lawn equipment green; it was believed Torres was attempting to sell the riding lawnmower.
Investigating deputies were able to locate the lawnmower near the back of the property.
The suspect, who was allegedly non-compliant with deputies, reportedly said his name was James, but a warrant check identified him as wanted fugitive Jacob Torres.
Additionally, a female on the property confirmed Torres’ identity.
Emergency dispatchers confirmed Torres was the subject of five warrants that included evading arrest, burglary of a building, possession of a controlled substance, and two for failure to appear in court.
“We are happy to assist the Dilley Police Department in investigating this ongoing burglary and theft case,” Frio County Sheriff Peter Salinas said. “Recovering stolen property is never an easy task. The citizens of Dilley work hard for their belongings, but even more precious is their sense of peace and security that a crime like this steals from them. We are committed to holding these habitual offenders accountable for their actions and will vigorously advocate for the maximum punishment permitted by law.”
Torres was transported to the Frio County Jail without further incident and faces a state jail felony charge for theft of property and a Class A misdemeanor for failure to identify as a fugitive with intent to give false information.