February 25, 2016 - According to a press release from the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, thanks to the tip of a concerned citizen, a suspect was apprehended, stolen property recovered and burglary location found before the victim even knew it had all occurred.
Press Release: Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports on Monday, February 22, 2016 at approximately 11:20 a.m. a call was received in reference to a male subject riding a bicycle on Highway 59 heading towards Timpson from Tenaha carrying firearms.
Timpson Police Department Chief Kent Graham was notified of the call and upon Chief Graham attempting to make contact with the male subject, he then evaded on foot. Additional units were requeseted in which Constable Pct 5 Stanley Burgay, Deputy Kurtes Lawrence and Timpson ISD Police Chief Kimberly Graham responded to assist.
As a precaution, Timpson ISD school officials were notified and the school was placed on lock down. A short time later, Chief Kimberly Graham located the male subject in front of the Timpson Middle School and made contact with him at which time the male subject evaded again on foot. After setting up a perimeter and locating the male subject again, Chief Kent Graham, Chief Kimberly Graham and Timpson PD Officer Jacob Metcalf were able to take the subject into custody.
The subject discarded the bicycle along with the two rifles, identified as a 30.06 and a .22 Cricket rifle which were recovered for evidence. The subject was identified as an Adrian Herrera, 34 of San Augustine.
Shelby County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Investigator DJ Dickerson contacted the initial caller who reported Herrera and ascertained the approximate area in which Herrera was first observed on the bicycle with the firearms. Sergeant Dickerson then met with Constable Burgay approximately 5 miles from Timpson on Highway 59 North and began canvassing the area going from house to house in an attempt to locate the residence that had been burglarized.
During the canvassing, the residence that had been burglarized was located at 4844 Highway 59 North, belonging to a Jerry Roth. Forced entry was observed to the side door of the residence. After clearing the residence, Sergeant Dickerson contacted Jerry Roth at his work and advised of the incident and Mr. Roth confirmed items that had been stolen from his residence, describing the 30.06 rifle, the .22 caliber rifle along with a breathing machine, e-cigarette kit, ammunition, a blue blanket and the Kent Del Rio bicycle that Herrera was riding. Information was collected along with evidence from Roth's residence.
Warrants were issued for Adrian Herrera for the charges of Burglary of a Habitation (Felony 2) and Theft of Firearm (State Jail Felony). Herrera was also charged during the initial arrest for the offenses of Burglary of a Habitation (Felony 2), Evading Arrest (Misdemeanor A), Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor A), Failure to Identify (Misdemeanor B), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon (Felony 3).
Due to the concerned citizen passing through and reporting his concern as well as the communication and cooperation between all agencies involved, Herrera was apprehended, property recovered, burglary location found and all before the victim even knew it had all occurred.
Investigator Dickerson said, "I express my gratitude for all involved in this incident to bring it to a hasty resolve."
Submitted by Sergeant Investigator D.J. Dickerson
