A good neighbor can mean a lot. In this case, it was definitely true after a homeowner help detain a burglary suspect for Bowie County Sheriff's Deputies.

Authorities say it began with a normal call for a deputy just after midnight Tuesday morning in the county.

Deputy Michelle Carrier was on her way to a call about a possible auto theft when dispatch advised her of a burglary in progress in the 100 block of County Road 1204.

The reporting person at this location said there was a white male wearing blue jeans and a sleeveless shirt in her kitchen. The reporting person was able to get her child and herself safely out their home and into their vehicle. They left their property when the suspect came out of their home and got into another vehicle in the driveway. This is where Deputy Carrier found the suspect when she arrived. The suspect attempted to conceal himself in this vehicle as Deputy Carrier gave him commands. He refused to follow any of her commands and she noticed that his was sweating profusely and his behavior was erratic.

At one point the suspect attempted to flee but his attempt was cut off by Deputy Carrier. A neighbor, Ronald Pippen, came out of his home and assisted Deputy Carrier in detaining this suspect until another deputy could arrive. When Deputy Brady Cooper arrived, the suspect submitted to the deputies’ commands and was taken into custody.

The suspect was identified as 33 year old Steven Trinidad Montoya Jr., of Maud, Texas.  Items allegedly stolen from the home he was originally found in, as well as three different vehicles were found on his person.

Montoya Jr. was arrested and taken to the Bi-State Jail. He has been charged with Burglary of a Habitation, three counts of Burglary of a Vehicle and Evading Arrest. His bonds were later set at $25,000 for Burglary of a Habitation, $10,000 for each charge of Burglary of a Vehicle and $5,000 for Evading Arrest. Steven Montoya Jr. was still in custody at the time of this release.

The Bowie County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Mr. Pippen for assisting our deputies with this arrest. Authorities say it is with the help of good citizens like him that they continue the fight against the criminal element.

 

 

 

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