Texas Cops BUST Crime Ring As Robbers Left to Sing the ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie’—in JAIL!
Texas police arrest a duo for stealing thousands of dollars in boots from local western wear stores. 🌐 #News #FortWorthTX #Texas #Crime
FORT WORTH, TX – A daring theft operation targeting western wear retailers came crashing down when Texas authorities nabbed two suspects accused of swiping boots by stuffing them inside their clothes. The multi-store heist spree, spanning north Texas, ended with a dramatic arrest at a Fort Worth motel, leaving retailers breathing a sigh of relief.
Family Theft Ring Exposed
The White Settlement Police Department revealed that a family duo had been hitting Boot Barn and Cavender’s Boot City locations across the region.
On February 16, the culprits pulled off a bold double theft at a Boot Barn, snagging four pairs of boots valued at $3,799.92 before tax.
After stashing the goods in their vehicle, they strutted back into the store within five minutes to grab four more pairs, doubling their haul in one swift move.
Investigation Gains Traction
The case cracked open when Officer Haley Buck secured a key piece of evidence: the suspects’ vehicle license plate.
Authorities identified the pair as 57-year-old Valentine Cardenas and 47-year-old Melissa Marez, issuing arrest warrants for both. Despite their initial escape, the thieves couldn’t stay off the radar for long.
A Bold Return and a Close Call
On February 22, Cardenas allegedly returned to the White Settlement Boot Barn, sporting a freshly shaved beard to dodge recognition. He walked away with boots worth $1,074.98.
The very next day, Cardenas and Marez teamed up again at the same store, but eagle-eyed employees spotted them and dialed 911.
The duo bolted before police could arrive, slipping through the net—temporarily.
Technology Seals the Deal
The turning point came on February 25, when detectives tapped into a license plate reader database to trace the suspects’ car to a motel on Sandshell Drive in Fort Worth.
Teaming up with the Fort Worth Police Department, White Settlement officers swooped in and arrested Cardenas and Marez without a struggle.
A search turned up several pairs of stolen boots, along with ball caps and clothing, all believed to be pilfered from Boot Barn and Cavender’s Boot City.
Charges Filed, Collaboration Praised
Cardenas and Marez now face charges of theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000.
White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook commended the effort, stating, “deterring retail theft is an important priority for our department and these cases highlight the excellent work completed by our Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Unit.”
He added, “leveraging our license plate reader technology and other databases were crucial in assisting with the identification and apprehension of both suspects. We are also grateful for the collaboration and assistance from Boot Barn and the Fort Worth Police Department in these cases.”
The arrests mark a win for local law enforcement and retailers battling theft, putting an end to the duo’s boot-stealing escapades—for now. I guess that old country song was wrong: these boots are made for walking… right into a jail cell!
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