Commerce Police officers and detectives have spent the past two weeks working around the clock to solve a string of theft cases across the city—recovering stolen property, arresting suspects, and issuing warrants as part of their ongoing effort to keep the community safe.
In four separate cases, officers were able to locate and return stolen items to their rightful owners. On October 15, officers and detectives responded swiftly to a theft in progress at Walmart, where three suspects were caught leaving the store with stolen merchandise. All three were taken into custody, and the property was recovered on scene.
Detectives are continuing to pursue leads in other cases. On October 16, investigators followed up in neighboring counties and secured arrest warrants for additional suspects linked to at least one other theft.
Commerce Police Chief Corley Weatherford praised the teamwork and dedication of the department’s officers and detectives, as well as the community’s support in solving these cases. “It takes the whole team and community working together to keep Commerce safe,” Weatherford said.
Public assistance has been especially valuable in identifying suspects in a recent theft at Ace Hardware. The department’s public posts about the case received over 40,000 views, leading to the identification of the suspects involved.
Police are now asking for help locating Matthew Scott Cagle, 40, and Seth Taylor Stapleton, 36—both wanted for felony theft related to the Ace Hardware investigation. Cagle and Stapleton also have outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.
Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to contact the Commerce Police Department at (903) 886-1139 or Hunt County Crime Stoppers at (903) 457-2929. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.
