Suspects Named in Multi-County, $1M-Plus Crime Spree

EAST TEXAS — Four suspects have been arrested and three more are at large following a multi-county investigation to capture the persons responsible for more than $1 million in lost property during a recent crime spree. KETK reports the offenses took place in Smith, Gregg, Rusk, and Harrison Counties, as well as the cities of New London and Kilgore. According to Rusk County Sergeant David Roberts, authorities there responded to several reports of “mash and dashes.” Criminals pulled into driveways and rammed vehicles into local homes. Stolen vehicles and ATMs have been reported throughout the area; in all, over 30 service related vehicles were taken across the East Texas area. All of the stolen automobiles have been recovered to date; most were destroyed or damaged, according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

The following suspects have been arrested by law enforcement:

Dalton L. Oakes, 18
Joseph Bates, 18
Richard Landaverde, 19
Chase Crawford, 18

Officials are still searching for 21-year-old Jorge Santos Landaverde and two juveniles. Should anyone have information related to this or any other crimes, contact the Smith County Sheriff�s Office at (903) 566-6600 or any of the agencies that have primary jurisdiction.