A brazen daytime theft in Tarkington was quickly solved last week thanks to a combination of watchful neighbors, home surveillance footage, and swift action by law enforcement.
The incident occurred on March 18, when Buba Crye’s low-boy trailer was stolen from his property on SH 321 near CR 301. The suspects, driving a blue pickup, pulled into Crye’s driveway in broad daylight, hitched up the trailer, and drove off.
The crime was first detected by Crye’s wife, Randi, who noticed the theft in progress through their security cameras and texted her husband to ask who was picking up the trailer. Her heightened vigilance followed a tip from a neighbor the night before, who had spotted two men lurking inside the neighbor’s barn.
Buba immediately shared surveillance video and details of the theft on social media. A member of the church the Cryes attend recognized the truck and trailer and was able to provide a location—on Rice Road—where the stolen trailer had been seen.
Crye passed the information along to Pct. 5 Constable David Hunter, who, along with Deputy Constable Joe Williams, responded immediately. While en route, the officers encountered the suspects driving the blue truck, now trailing a white SUV that had also been seen at the same location as the stolen trailer. Both vehicles were stopped.
Inside the pickup were Joshua Deselle, 35, of Crosby, and Johnathon Garret Samilo, 27, of Huffman, both of whom were arrested for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. They were later charged with the theft of the trailer as well. The driver of the white SUV, Robert Jones, was arrested on multiple charges, including Driving While License Invalid, Failure to Signal Turn, Displaying Expired License Plate, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, and Violate Promise to Appear. However, he was not charged in connection with the trailer theft. A woman in the SUV was detained for questioning and later released.
According to Constable Hunter, the suspects were staying at a makeshift RV park off Carter Loop (CR 301).
“The owner of the property has a woman staying with her who is supposedly her caretaker,” said Hunter. “This caretaker is the one letting these criminals onto the property.”
Hunter added that all of the men arrested had recently been released from prison and were allegedly walking through the woods in the Tarkington area, scouting homes and properties to steal from.
While the trailer was the only item confirmed stolen from Crye’s property, Crye noted that screws had been removed from the panels of his workshop shortly before the theft—possibly a failed attempt to break in.
Thanks to an alert community and a rapid law enforcement response, the trailer was recovered, and the suspects were taken into custody within hours of the crime.