In July, Cleveland Police Department asked for the public’s help with identifying an unknown individual who was believed to be connected to a rash of vehicle burglaries in the Cleveland area.
“With the help of our citizens, we identified the unknown male as Maurilio Escamilla Cantu, age 30, who resides in Liberty County. Through citizens’ home security camera footage, we were able to link Cantu to a burglary of a motor vehicle and two thefts,” said Capt. Scott Felts, spokesperson for Cleveland PD.
During this same period, a CPD Officer reportedly attempted to stop a black Dodge Charger upon noticing the Charger as it left the area of a burglary the officer was investigating. Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver reportedly lied about his identity and fled on foot. Stolen property reportedly was recovered from inside the black Dodge Charger. Felts said the driver was later identified as Cantu.
Multiple arrest warrants were issued for Cantu.
“During our investigation into Cantu, it is believed Cantu was tipped off that the Cleveland Police Department was looking for him and fled the area,” Felts said.
On August 14, 2019, a concerned citizen contacted the Cleveland Police Department and advised that Cantu was hiding out in the Porter area. Officers conducted surveillance of the area where Cantu was reportedly hiding and were able to apprehend him without incident.
Cantu was transported to the Cleveland Police Department where he was booked in on the following charges: Evading Arrest, Failure to Identify, Resisting Arrest, Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Theft (more than $100 but less than $750), Theft (less than $100), Display Expired Registration, No Operators License and Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility.
Cantu is currently being held in the Liberty County Jail.