Midland teens arrested amid traffic stop, stolen firearms recovered

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Several teens were arrested earlier this week following an undercover surveillance operation centered around gang members allegedly in possession of stolen guns.

17-year-old Isaiah Rodriguez was among several arrested ​on July 17; he’s been charged with Theft of a Firearm. Court records showed that charges against the other teens, 19-year-old Aaron Navarrete, 17-year-old Aiden Navarrete, 17-year-old Jacob Stroud, and an unidentified 16-year-old, were still pending.

According to an affidavit filed against Rodriguez, on July 17, officers with the Midland Police Department were conducting surveillance on a home after receiving intelligence that teens connected to a gang were in possession of stolen firearms and narcotics. During that operation, officers saw a group of teens exit the home and get into a silver GMC truck and a traffic stop was initiated in the 100 block of Glenwood.

During that traffic stop, investigators said several of the teens involved ran, but they were quickly apprehended and detained. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers said they located five firearms, one which had been reported stolen out of Midland County, another reported stolen out of Ector County, as well as THC and nicotine vape pens.

As part of the investigation, Rodriguez was taken to the police station for questioning where he reportedly admitted to stealing a gun from a vehicle earlier in the year. He was booked into the Midland County Law Enforcement Center where he remained as of Friday afternoon on a $20,000 bond.

Jail records showed that both Aaron and Aiden Navarrete also remained in custody as of Friday; their bond had not yet been set. Stroud was released on an unknown bond and information on the juvenile arrested at the scene was not available at the time of publication. Mugshots were not immediately available.

Because vehicle break-ins have been on the rise in the area in recent months, law enforcement officials have advised gun owners not to leave their firearms behind when exiting a vehicle. Here are other steps you can take to keep your property safe:

• Always lock your vehicle and take your keys.
• Never leave your car running and unattended.
• Park in a well-lit area or, if possible, in a locked garage.
• Take all valuables with you when you are not in your vehicle.
• Install an alarm in your vehicle or park within view of a security camera; they help deter would-be thieves and help solve crimes in the aftermath.

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