Special to the NEWS
One of Texas’ most wanted fugitives was apprehended in San Benito last week, with the San Benito Police Department (SBPD) making the arrest.
According to the SBPD, on April 17, 2024 at or around 11:12 a.m., SBPD Traffic Enforcement Division officers conducted a vehicle traffic stop on a Ford passenger car for an alleged vehicle license plate violation.
While interviewing the occupants within the vehicle, it was learned that it was allegedly stolen from a nearby jurisdiction. According to the SBPD, vehicle occupants, including the driver, claimed ownership of the car, and were detained for further investigation.
While obtaining information from the driver, it was discovered that he had allegedly provided a false identification to the interviewing officer. His true identity was confirmed as Jose Angel Leal, a San Benito resident, according to the SBPD.
Leal was placed under arrest for allegedly providing false identifying information and for an active Parole Warrant as well as for the active stolen status on the vehicle. It was further discovered that at the time of the stop, Leal was active on the Texas DPS Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives in the State list.
He was arraigned on the applied charges and was provided the following bond amounts: Parole Violation/Warrant, No Bond -Failure to Identify Provides False Info Fugitive from Justice, a Class “A” Misdemeanor, $5,000 Bond. All Subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
1 comments
It’s always remarkable to see law enforcement successfully apprehending fugitives, particularly those on the most wanted lists. This incident highlights the diligent efforts of the San Benito Police Department in ensuring public safety. However, it also serves as a reminder of the crucial principle that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.