A man wanted on felony warrants was arrested July 29 after Whitewright police, investigating a series of vehicle burglaries, recovered a stolen firearm and other property during a multi-agency operation.
According to Whitewright Police Chief Elijah Fite, officers responded the morning of July 29 to reports of burglaries involving motor vehicles in the 100 block of West Elm Street.
After reviewing security camera footage, officers were able to identify the suspect, who Fite said was already a wanted fugitive with active felony warrants out of Fannin County. Among the items reported stolen from one of the vehicles was a firearm.
“Officers quickly began their investigation into locating the suspect,” Fite said.
Police tracked the suspect to a residence in the 400 block of West Cedar Street and requested assistance from the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators obtained a search warrant before officers from both agencies entered the home.
According to Fite, officers determined a person inside the residence was refusing commands.
Personnel from the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) were called to assist. After what Fite described as “an extensive search of the residence,” SRT personnel located the suspect, identified as Jeffrey Gilbreath, who was allegedly armed and hiding inside a small crawl space behind a wall.
“Members of SRT were able to successfully take the suspect ... into custody without further incident,” Fite said.
Gilbreath was transported to the Fannin County Jail.
Officers also recovered the firearm and other property reported stolen from the vehicles earlier that day. Fite said the recovered items will be returned to their owners.
Fite credited the successful arrest to the cooperation between multiple agencies.
“This was a team effort, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in serving the citizens of Whitewright and surrounding areas,” he said.
Fite also thanked Grayson County Sheriff Tony Bennie and members of the sheriff’s office “for their professionalism and willingness to assist with the apprehension of this suspect.”
He also offered appreciation to the Tom Bean Police Department and Whitewright EMS for their assistance.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information has been released.
proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: Freepik.com