UPDATE: A suspect in a rash of Delta County burglaries is still at large but the stolen police vehicle Cecil Martin escaped in has been found by Delta County authorities. UPDATE 6:20pm: Delta County authorities have found the police vehicle a burglary suspect stole earlier today to escape custody. Cecil martin suspect is still on the loose and described as a white male wearing a white shirt and white pants. Authorities believe he may be in Cooper and that more than one person may be involved.
Earlier Story: An older-model Chevy Impala, and the man who took it, identified as Cecil Martin, are what authorities are looking for near Country Club road in Delta County this hour.
According to KETR Correspondent Cindy Roller, the suspect managed to escape (and then take) the vehicle in which he was being escorted when the investigator stopped at a local residence for a face-to-face identification.
That is, at one point, the suspected burglar behind the recent spree of smash-and-grabs was witnessed by the owner of a home he'd been trying to loot. Authorities had been hoping to get a quick facial recognition ID and then take the suspect in for processing.
It seems the investigating officer left the vehicle running and exited at the home of the aforementioned victim. It was at this time that the suspect managed to get himself into the driver's seat and flee the scene.
While many modern police vehicles come with a standard tracking device, this older-model unmarked car hasn't had a tracker installed.
Police are looking for a white Chevy Impala. Description of the suspect is not yet available. Additionally, no word as to whether or not the suspect is armed and dangerous.
Cindy's report follows:
Citizens need to be on the lookout for fleeing burglary suspect, Cecil Martin. He was detained by authorities but managed to get away in an unmarked older white Chevrolet Impala police car.
Authorities are searching the area near Country Club Road and State Highway 154.
It is believed that he is connected with a recent rash of home invasions in the County. Martin recently bonded out of a jail in the DFW area. The report came into the Delta County Sheriff’s Department at approximately 10:50 a.m. today.
The recent burglaries the owner arrived home while the suspect was still in the home. She opened the garage door to find the maroon Chevrolet Uplander van parked inside in which she proceeded in blocking their exit. The masked suspect made demands for the owner to move and when she did not, he proceeded in ramming her car several times before escaping in the van from the garage.
The suspect continued on to invaded another nearby location in the Charleston/Kensing area taking several electronics and property, leaving the third seat in order to fill more into the van. The van was reported stolen out of Hunt County and was later recovered in Kaufman County. The seat is being dusted for fingerprints.
“I don’t recommend making any bold moves in the presence of a suspect,” said Delta County Sheriff Gerald Teague. “That is dangerous. My advice is to mark all of your property and note serial numbers.”
If anyone has information about any felony criminal offenses occurring in Delta County please contact Lake Country Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (903) 885-2020. Information leading to the arrest of individual (s) involved in the offenses may result with cash for tips.
