Dallas, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Law enforcement arrested two individuals in connection with a North Texas auto theft ring after recovering seven stolen vehicles in coordinated searches. Bernado and Santos Bustos, both 19, face felony charges, including Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. The operation, conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, highlights the serious nature of auto theft impacting several jurisdictions.
Dallas
Two men were arrestedBernado Bustos and Santos Bustos, both 19 years old, face felony charges under an investigation documented as case number 123876-2025. Search warrants were executed on August 28 at an address in Dallas and at two properties in Barry, Navarro County.
Key facts
- Arrests: Two suspects, Bernado Bustos and Santos Bustos, both 19.
- Vehicles recovered: Seven stolen vehicles (four recovered in Dallas, three recovered in Barry).
- Search locations: 2700 block of Kenesaw Drive in Dallas and two locations in Barry, Navarro County.
- Additional evidence: Two vehicles seized with obscured Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for further investigation.
- Charges: Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (first-degree felony) and Theft of Property valued between $30,000 and $150,000 (third-degree felony).
- Investigation partners: North Texas Auto Theft Task Force, Dallas Police Auto Theft Salvage Squad, Southwest and South Central CRT Units.
Details of the operation
On August 28, officers served search warrants at an address on the 2700 block of Kenesaw Drive in Dallas and at two separate properties in Barry, Navarro County. Law enforcement located four stolen vehicles at the Dallas location and three stolen vehicles at the Barry locations. The three vehicles seized in Barry were reported stolen from separate jurisdictions—Dallas, DeSoto, and Lewisville—indicating the theft activity crossed municipal lines.
Investigators also seized two vehicles with obscured VINs, which have been taken into evidence for forensic processing and further identification efforts. Obscured or altered VINs are typically examined to determine if vehicles were re-branded, cloned, or otherwise altered to hide their origin.
Charges and legal classification
Both suspects are charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, a first-degree felony that can apply when individuals participate in coordinated criminal schemes. They also face charges of Theft of Property with an alleged value between $30,000 and $150,000, a third-degree felony level. The case is being handled by Dallas Police and partnering task force units; any additional legal proceedings will follow normal criminal process in the appropriate jurisdiction under case number 123876-2025.
Agencies and collaboration
The investigation was conducted with support from the North Texas Auto Theft Task Force alongside Dallas Police Department units including the Auto Theft Salvage Squad and the Southwest and South Central CRT Units. The involvement of multiple units and the task force reflects a coordinated approach to address vehicles stolen across several cities and recovered in multiple jurisdictions.
Impact and context
Local law enforcement officials noted that auto theft affects multiple jurisdictions and carries consequences beyond the immediate loss of property, including insurance impacts, vehicle resale fraud, and potential use of stolen vehicles in other crimes. Recovering stolen vehicles and identifying obscured VINs are key steps in disrupting organized auto theft operations and returning property to rightful owners where possible.
Further investigative work will continue to trace the origins of all recovered vehicles, verify titles and registrations, and determine any broader network or additional suspects connected to the theft ring. Authorities have indicated that the case remains active and encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators through the Dallas Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Two men, identified as Bernado Bustos and Santos Bustos, both 19 years old, were arrested in connection with the investigation.
What charges have been filed?
Both suspects are charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (first-degree felony) and Theft of Property valued between $30,000 and $150,000 (third-degree felony).
How many vehicles were recovered?
Seven stolen vehicles were recovered in total: four in Dallas and three in Barry, Navarro County. Two additional vehicles with obscured VINs were seized for further investigation.
Where were search warrants served?
Search warrants were served on August 28 at the 2700 block of Kenesaw Drive in Dallas and at two locations in Barry, Navarro County.
Which agencies were involved?
The investigation involved the North Texas Auto Theft Task Force, Dallas Police Auto Theft Salvage Squad, Southwest and South Central CRT Units, and other Dallas Police resources.
What is the case number?
The investigation is documented under case number 123876-2025.
What should vehicle owners do if their vehicle was stolen?
Vehicle owners should report thefts immediately to local law enforcement, provide vehicle details and VIN if available, notify their insurance company, and cooperate with investigators if contacted.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eddie Garcia Appointed 28th Police Chief of Fort Worth
Dallas: Tragic Single-Vehicle Crash Claims One Life
Woman Arrested for Terroristic Threat at Dallas Airport
False Alarm and Water Leak Cause Chaos at Dallas’ NorthPark Center
Dallas Officer Arrested for Stealing $37,000 in Apple Products
Dallas Police Officer Faces Felony Theft Charges
Texas Allocates Funding for Community Park at Fair Park
Bounty Hunters Charged with Murder in Dallas Shooting
Significant Decline in Auto Thefts Across Texas
Additional Resources
- WFAA: Dallas Auto Theft Ring Arrests
- DPD Beat: Dallas Police Break Up Auto Theft Ring
- Audacy: Dallas Police Bust Auto Theft Ring
- Dallas Express: Teenagers Arrested in Dallas for Car Theft Scheme
- My Texas Daily: Dallas Police Arrest Two in Auto Theft Operation
- Wikipedia: Auto Theft
- Google Search: Dallas Auto Theft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theft
- Google News: Dallas Police Car Theft
- Google Scholar: Auto Theft Statistics
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
