On August 10, 2026, at approximately 2:10 a.m., Central Business Division officers observed a White Dodge Charger traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street without headlights. Officers approached the driver and noted he was profusely sweating and unable to operate the vehicle’s headlights.
Through plain view, officers observed police uniforms, gear, emergency lights, and a dashcam inside the vehicle. Additionally, the driver was known to officers from prior contacts in the area and was not the registered owner of the vehicle. He was placed under arrest for multiple traffic violations.
During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers recovered a significant cache of police property, including a police badge, multiple police-issued shirts, approximately 500 rounds of duty ammunition, multiple bulletproof vests, and other official gear-all bearing the name of the registered owner. The owner was discovered to be a Dallas College Police Department Sgt, who confirmed that he was not aware that the vehicle was missing.
Video footage confirmed the driver had entered the vehicle approximately one hour prior to the stop. The driver was subsequently arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle along with the aforementioned traffic violations. All recovered property was released to the Sergeant on scene.
“These officers exemplify the vigilance and investigative tenacity that defines the Dallas Police Department,” said Assistant Chief Teena Schultz. “What began as a routine traffic stop became a prime example of how attention to detail can prevent further crime.”
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and remains documented under case number 116802-2026.
The Dallas Police Department commends the officers involved for their outstanding work in transforming a minor violation into a significant recovery.