Car theft suspect arrested

WAXAHACHIE – The Waxahachie Criminal Investigation Division recently determined reports of vehicles being stolen in the Pimlico neighborhood near U.S. Highway 287 was part of a bigger investigation that involved similar crimes in Dallas, Midlothian, Cedar Hill, Red Oak, and DeSoto.

Waxahachie detectives began coordinating with those agencies to track down the suspect after an investigation that involved reviewing home security camera footage provided by area residents.

Based on the footage, investigators identified a suspect vehicle they believed to be connected to the thefts.

Late last week Waxahachie PD received additional calls regarding vehicles that had been burglarized throughout the city.

They confirmed the previously identified suspect vehicle was also part of the new crimes as well.

Police also discovered that stolen property involved in the crime contained a tracking device. 

That device led them to a residence in the 100 block of Audra in Waxahachie.

A search warrant was obtained, and last Thursday detectives from Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Cedar Hill served the warrant at the residence where suspect, Brent Alan Murphy, was taken into custody.

The investigators also recovered a large quantity of stolen property linked to multiple jurisdictions as well as narcotics in the home.
Murphy, was booked into the Wayne McCollum Detention Center on numerous narcotics possession charges.

Additional charges related to the burglaries and thefts are pending as the investigation continues.

Waxahachie Police Chief Joe Wiser said, “This case shows the importance of our community partnerships.

“Thanks to residents who shared security camera footage and the tracking information provided, along with the teamwork of our regional law enforcement partners, we were able to bring this investigation to a successful outcome.”