Suspect From Stolen Car Charged and Arrested

UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: Killeen, TX (December 11, 2020): Male suspect formally charged after stealing car with children from the gas station.

On December 10, 2020, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and two complaints were returned charging 26-year old Christopher Ausgo Thomas with Kidnapping and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.  Thomas is currently in the Bell County Jail.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE LOCATE STOLEN CAR

Killeen, TX (December 8, 2020): Officers locate a male suspect after he stole a car with two children inside in the 3400 block of West Stan Schlueter. 

The Killeen Police Department received a 911 call on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at approximately 3:00 p.m., about a car being stolen.  Upon the officers’ arrival, the victim told officers that she walked inside the gas station, when she noticed a male get in her vehicle, a white Kia, and drove off with her two children in the backseat.  The vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on Stan Schlueter. 

Assisting officers immediately saturated the area and they located the Kia.  The suspect driver came to a stop at a parking lot at 4001 W. Stan Schlueter and he was taken into custody without incident.  The 2- and 7-year old children were located inside the vehicle unharmed.  For precautionary measures, paramedics checked the welfare of the children and were returned safely to their mother. 

“This is a reminder about not leaving your keys in an unattended vehicle.  In a matter of seconds, a thief looks for easy access to commit a crime of opportunity.  The officers with Days A Shift did an outstanding job locating the suspect and safely returning the children,” stated Assistant Chief Donohue.  

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department