Organized crime ring bust nets 130 arrests
HOUSTON -- "Operation Wheels and Deals," which targeted organized crime across the Houston area, including a high-profile theft of country musician Zane Williams' trailer last year, has led to multiple arrests and charges, according to authorities.
The Houston Police Department, along with the Pasadena and Baytown Police Departments, Department of Public Safety and the Department of Homeland Security shared details of the joint agency operation that began in April 2015 today in Houston.
Police say charges range from narcotics to aggravated robbery and assault and engaing in organized crime.
Houston police say about 130 people were arrested so far, but others are still out there and the investigation is ongoing.
HPD says the crime ring involved a group of friends stealing "big-ticket" items from vehicles and trailers. Police say people stored the stolen property at people's homes and on family property.
"Their job was to steal," a Houston police officer said today at a press conference. "They woke up in the morning, got dressed...and they went shopping, looking for something to steal. ... They knew what they were doing."
Houston police say there was no ring leader nor name for the ring.
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