MADISON COUNTY, Texas — A woman accused of stealing a firearm during a vehicle burglary now faces multiple felony charges after investigators linked her to additional crimes involving stolen property and a stolen vehicle, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
Emily Beth Bradford of Arkansas was arrested March 8 after deputies responded to a burglary of a vehicle in progress along OSR in Normangee. Authorities said a family member of the victim saw the theft on camera and followed the suspect’s vehicle to the Yellow Rose Travel Center at OSR and Interstate 45, where the suspect was detained until deputies arrived.
Deputies identified Bradford at the scene and took her into custody on a charge of burglary of a vehicle. The stolen shotgun was recovered and returned to the victim. Officials said deputies also developed probable cause to believe the U-Haul box truck Bradford was driving contained additional stolen property and seized it as evidence.
The following day, investigators said Bradford confessed to the burglary and theft of the firearm during an interview. Additional charges were filed, including theft of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Authorities later determined the U-Haul truck had been reported stolen out of Palestine on March 7, leading to another charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle.
A search warrant executed on the truck resulted in the recovery of additional stolen items. Investigators said some of the property was linked to a residence on State Highway 21 West, where they uncovered an unreported burglary of a habitation. A fourth charge was filed in connection with that case.
Officials said recovered property has been returned to its owners, and additional charges may be pending.
Investigators also learned Bradford was on felony probation in Arkansas. Her probation officer has been notified, and revocation proceedings have been initiated.
Bradford is being held in the Madison County Jail on a total bond of $65,000.
