Von Ormy businesses targeted in a string of burglaries help lead police to suspect

Joshua Gutierrez Churbe arrested on Thursday

VON ORMY, Texas – Von Ormy police have made an arrest in a series of burglaries impacting businesses along Interstate 35 over the past two months.

Casey Homer, a Von Ormy business owner, said the string of burglaries that impacted businesses multiple times over the past two months was unexpected.

“It’s very surprising. They come in the middle of the night, and it’s put everyone in the community a little on edge,” Homer said.

Several businesses fed up with the thefts installed surveillance cameras. One of those cameras captured the image of a person of interest that led police to arrest Joshua Gutierrez Churbe, 33, on Thursday, records with the Bexar County Jail show.

Chief Lionel Perez Jr. said Churbe admitted to being involved in all the break-ins. He has since been charged with theft of $750-$2,500, jail records show.

Perez’s office had taken at least five reports. Police say they had extra patrols and talked to area business owners about ways to increase security and deter thieves.

Perez gave credit to business owners and tipsters for helping lead to the arrest.

Von Ormy police are asking the community for tips that could lead them to the stolen items. Call 210-622-0338 if you have any information about the burglaries.

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About the Authors:

Patty Santos joined the KSAT 12 News team in July 2017. She has a proven track record of reporting on hard-hitting news that affects the community.