Staff Report
KYLE — A Bastrop man was arrested Monday, Aug. 31, following a series of crimes across Kyle and Buda, including the theft of multiple vehicles and one vehicle with a 5-month-old child inside, prompting a multi-agency search.
At approximately 6 p.m., Alonso Echeverria stole a vehicle from the 800 block of Kohlers Crossing in Kyle with a 5-month-old child still inside. He drove the vehicle to an emergency room in Buda, where he abandoned both the vehicle and the child before fleeing on foot.
Investigators used automated license plate reader technology to quickly identify and locate the stolen vehicle. Officers recovered the unharmed infant and reunited the child with the family.
As the investigation continued, officers discovered evidence linking the suspect to another vehicle theft that occurred at 3:30 p.m. in the 4000 block of Cromwell Drive in Kyle.
Through a coordinated effort involving the Kyle Police Department, Buda Police Department and the Hays County Sheriff's Office, officers searched for the suspect. Following a social media post with the suspect's description, a tip from a community member helped officers locate him near an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Cabela's Drive in Buda.
While attempting to evade arrest, the suspect entered two occupied apartment homes before being taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as Echeverria of Bastrop.
"We are incredibly grateful the child was recovered unharmed so quickly," said KPD Chief Jeff Barnett. "This case highlights the importance of investigative resources, including automated license plate reader technology."
"We are thankful for the strong partnerships among local law enforcement agencies that helped bring this incident to a safe resolution." BPD Chief Bo Kidd added.
KPD charged Echeverria with abandoning or endangering a child, theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, tampering with a government record, tampering with physical evidence and evading arrest or detention with previous convictions, along with multiple theft-related offenses, criminal mischief and public intoxication. BPD additionally charged Echeverria with criminal trespass of a habitation.
