Teens allegedly stole neighbor's truck
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Three El Campo teens are in jail after allegedly stealing a pickup which contained several firearms.

The case began when Ronald Ormand reported his truck stolen between 11:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3 and 2:20 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4 from a home at 613 Merchant.

"They confessed they pushed it out of the driveway so it wouldn't make any noise and wake him up," said Lt. Terry Stanphill, the El Campo Police detective assigned to the case.

The boys, ages 14 and 16, and 17-yearold Jose Concepcion Cortez Jr. of 714 Merchant - a block from the crime site - were all rounded up and arrested Thursday morning, each on warrants for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and theft of a firearm. In addition, the two younger boys were also arrested on parole violation warrants from the Texas Youth Commission.

There is an additional suspect in the crime - a 13-year-old - who will be arrested soon, Stanphill said.

The thieves allegedly stole Ormand's Ford, worth $10,000, a .308 Winchester with scope worth $700, a .283 Winchester with scope worth $700 and a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun worth $300. As well, they took a $150 set of neoprene waders, three rods and reels worth $600, and other items for a total loss in contents of $2,780.

Police so far have recovered the truck, the shotgun and the .308 Winchester.

"We are still missing three rods and reels, fishing tackle, waders and the other gun," Stanphill said. "In case anyone's seen these items, please contact me."

Cortez was transferred to the Wharton County Jail. The two boys arrested Thursday were taken to juvenile facilities in Victoria County.