Area Law Enforcement Teamwork Leads to Arrests Once Again**
Early yesterday morning, at approximately 2:38 AM, the Precinct 8 Dispatch Center received a call regarding suspicious persons trespassing at the Goodyear Bayport Chemical Plant located in the 13400 block of Bay Area Blvd. in La Porte. Upon arrival, Deputies learned that 2 males, later identified as 42-year-old Brent John Wentland and 42-year-old Samuel Ignacio Esparza, both unlawfully entered the secured plant by cutting through a chain-link fence. Once inside, they stole specialized metal flanges, copper welding leads and various other scrap metals.
Plant employees reported that they confronted the suspects, who then fled the scene. Responding units quickly established a perimeter around a nearby wooded area. HPD’s Fox helicopter was requested for aerial support and successfully detected two heat signatures believed to be the suspects. However, the helicopter was forced to leave the area due to being low on fuel.
Officers with the Pasadena Police Department responded to the area a short time later with an aerial drone, and successfully reacquired the suspects’ locations. With assistance from Harris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units, both individuals were located and taken into custody.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted charges for felony metal theft and the pair were booked in the Harris County Jail. Bonds were later set at $15,000 on both suspects.
