A reputed gang member is wanted by state troopers after refusing to pull over for law enforcement during a traffic stop near Canutillo, authorities said.
A Texas Department of Public Safety state trooper attempted to stop a white Ford Equinox for “equipment and traffic violations” about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, on Interstate 10 East near Canutillo, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Sgt. Eliot Torres wrote in a news release.
Esteban Acosta
The trooper lost sight of the vehicle after a short pursuit. Troopers later found the Ford abandoned in a desert area between The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso and Canutillo Elementary School.
Law enforcement officers received reports of two people running through school property at Lone Star Academy, Canutillo Elementary School, and Jose J. Alderete Middle School, the news release states. The schools were placed in lockdown. Troopers searched and cleared the area near the schools. The lockdowns were lifted before 3 p.m.
Troopers found a bag inside the Ford containing an inmate ID for the driver, 35-year-old Esteban Acosta of Vado, New Mexico, the news release states. No information was released on Acosta’s criminal history.
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Acosta was wanted on an outstanding warrant for vehicle theft. He is now also wanted for evading arrest, the news release states.
Acosta is a suspected member of the Crucés Boyz gang, the news release states. No further information was released as the investigation remains ongoing, the news release states.
Anyone with information on Acosta’s whereabouts is asked to call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 915-849-4000. Troopers urge community members not to attempt to apprehend Acosta “as he is considered armed and dangerous,” the news release states.
Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on X/Twitter @AMartinezEPT.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas DPS searching for reputed New Mexico gang member