October 16, 2023 - Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested following a proactive burglary of a motor vehicle investigation in downtown Houston on Sunday (October 15).

The suspects, Terry Jose Emanuel, 21, and Jarek Jace Thomas, 23, are charged with felony theft of a firearm in the 183rd State District Court, and burglary of a motor vehicle and evading arrest on foot in Harris Court Criminal Court #9.

The suspects are believed responsible for burglaries of motor vehicles at the following downtown parking lot locations:

• 2000 Congress Street

• 2199 Dallas Street

• 2200 Dallas Street

• 700 Chartres Street

Booking photos of both suspects are attached to this news release.

On Sunday, (October 15), Houston Police Department Auto Theft Division officers, along with HPD Downtown Patrol Division Crime Suppression Unit officers, were conducting a proactive undercover operation regarding vehicle burglaries in the downtown area near Minute Maid Park. During the operation, officers learned of several burglaries being reported on the eastside of downtown near Chartres Street. Officers obtained a possible suspect vehicle description and began checking parking lots.

While searching the area, officers observed the suspect vehicle driving with its headlights off in the area of St. Emanuel and Dallas Streets, near one of the reported burglaries. HPD patrol and Crime Suppression Team officers then responded to the area. As officers conducted surveillance, the suspect vehicle attempted to evade officers and get onto the freeway. When Crime Suppression Team officers attempted to conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, the suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Thomas, the driver, was detained after a short foot pursuit. Emanuel, the passenger, exited the vehicle and fled on foot, dropping numerous firearms. He was detained after a short foot pursuit.

Officers recovered seven firearms, other items and $1,000 in cash in the suspects' possession.

HPD reminds motorists to help prevent firearm thefts by leaving guns at home or secured in a gun safe in a vehicle.