Seven arrested as Texas cops take down multi-million dollar cargo theft operation
The Grapevine Police Department (GPD) arrested and charged seven people in connection with a major cargo theft operation targeting warehouses in northern Texas.
In a November 18 news release, GPD announced the arrest of the following individuals on charges of Felony Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity:
- Adrian Ellison, 38, Dallas
- Julius Green, 40, Dallas
- Willie Hill, 38, Dallas
- Eric White, 33, Dallas
- Fayzal Kara, 40, Carrollton
- Ronnie Vaden, 33, Dallas
- Derrick White, 38, Dallas
The investigation into the cargo theft ring began after a warehouse burglary on May 13, 2024, during which police say thieves stole approximately $500,000 worth of Ray-Ban glasses and Oculus goggles. Surveillance video showed a suspect cutting a hole in a bay door to access and unload cargo from multiple pallets.
Investigators gathered evidence and learned that the suspects were linked to seven cargo thefts committed between August 2023 and June 2024 as part of “an elaborate criminal organization active since at least 2023.”
In August 2024, GPD spotted a suspect vehicle circling a warehouse known to store large quantities of electronics. Using a drone, police confirmed an active theft was in progress, and a “swift and coordinated response by patrol officers prevented the theft of significant merchandise,” though the most of the suspects avoided arrest thanks to lookouts who tipped them off to police presence.
Police were able to apprehend one suspect that night, and six others were arrested between August and early November.
“Grapevine Police detectives and patrol officers identified and dismantled a multi-million dollar cargo theft operation responsible for numerous burglaries across north Texas. Their extensive investigation, conducted in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has helped connect cases in multiple cities,” GPD said.