JOHNSON COUNTY, Texas — A multi-agency investigation has led to the recovery of several stolen, VIN-switched vehicles and the arrest of a suspect in Johnson County, authorities said.
The investigation began in April 2025 when the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF) received information about a stolen excavator and Polaris ATV recovered at a residence in Alvarado.
In May 2025, investigators identified two individuals in possession of a stolen 2023 Dodge Ram 3500 with a switched VIN. Around the same time, authorities were alerted to a possible VIN-switched Chevrolet Corvette. Information provided by Irving police helped link the suspect to the same Alvarado residence.
As the investigation progressed, task force members discovered multiple vehicles registered to the resident that were suspected of having altered VINs.
On March 31, 2026, investigators conducted traffic stops on two vehicles tied to the suspect. One was a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu that had been VIN-switched and not yet reported stolen by a rental company. Authorities said the vehicle had been given to a family member, who was driving it at the time.
A second vehicle, a 2021 Chevrolet 2500HD pickup, was also confirmed to be stolen with a switched VIN and had been sold to a neighbor.
The suspect arrived at one of the traffic stops, prompting investigators to obtain a search warrant for the residence. During the search, conducted with assistance from Midlothian police, authorities located additional stolen vehicles, including a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and a 2022 GMC Denali 2500HD, both with altered VINs.
In total, four vehicles were recovered with an estimated combined value of approximately $165,600.
The suspect was arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses. Investigators said additional individuals connected to the operation have been identified.
The investigation remains ongoing.
