In an operation conducted on Monday, March 11th, law enforcement officers from the NE Texas Auto Theft Task Force, Paris Police, and Lamar County Deputies intercepted a vehicle towing a stolen trailer in the 4400 block of FM 195. While conducting the stop, another vehicle pulled up behind the officers' patrol vehicles. Upon contacting the driver, identified as Juan Carlos Valdez, 36, officers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
A subsequent search of Valdez's vehicle uncovered a small quantity of marijuana along with a handgun. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the VIN plate on the vehicle had been altered, and the true owner had reported it as stolen. Consequently, Valdez was placed under arrest for Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon.
The NE Texas Auto Theft Task Force seized the truck as evidence, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
