Harris County – Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s Office has arrested Juan Carlos Lopez, 32, on suspicion of one count of third degree felony theft. Deputies located Lopez at his home this morning in the 13900 block of Fieldstone Drive in Houston. He attempted to run out the back door of the home but deputies were able to take him into custody inside the home without further incident. Lopez was not armed.

Precinct 1 initially responded to Home Depot’s request for assistance after the company discovered more than $30,000 in merchandise missing from at least 15 stores around the greater Houston area. The thefts are alleged to have occurred between April and June. Investigators are still working to determine how the thefts occurred but there is some evidence suggesting Lopez swapped price tags on the equipment with less expensive items before checking out at the cash registers. The items included generators, welding equipment, chainsaws and paint sprayers.

As a result of our quick investigative work, deputies were able to locate some of the items at the Cash America Pawn Shop located in the 9400 block of Jensen. Deputies say Lopez pawned the items there. Precinct 1 was able to recover about $10,000 worth of the stolen equipment which was being readied for resale.

“Precinct 1 prides itself on upholding the law. Stealing, especially in cases of this magnitude, will not be tolerated,” said Constable Alan Rosen. “I’m glad we solved this crime.” Deputies say Lopez has confessed to his involvement in these crimes.

This is still an active investigation. This is all the information we can release at this time. More charges may be filed and more arrests may follow.