TIP LINE SUCCESSES

An anonymous tip submitted through the Crime Stoppers mobile app led to the arrest of a fugitive wanted in 11 cases out of New Mexico. The suspect had evaded law enforcement for six years while facing charges including sexual exploitation of a juvenile, extortion to engage in sexual activity with a juvenile, and the manufacturing, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The tip provided the information needed to locate and apprehend the suspect, bringing justice to multiple victims.

On February 28, 2025, just before 3 p.m., Pasadena detectives responded to a shooting in a parking lot near a local high school. One student was shot in the chest, suffering a collapsed lung and broken rib, while another student was shot in the arm. Surveillance footage showed a chaotic fight involving juveniles and adults before a suspect fired three rounds and fled in a maroon Chevrolet Silverado. A tip submitted through the Crime Stoppers mobile app led to the identification and arrest of the gunman.

On February 18, 2025, a press conference was held requesting the public’s assistance in locating a suspect wanted for aggravated sexual assault. The assault occurred inside a university parking garage, where the suspect attacked the victim at knifepoint before robbing them. Although the suspect had initially been arrested, he was mistakenly released. Within three hours of the press conference, multiple tips were received, leading to the suspect’s swift re-arrest.

In late February 2025, information was received regarding a concealed hole containing materials used to construct explosive devices. The tip further revealed the suspect intended to use a bomb to target another student. Authorities immediately responded, deploying the bomb squad to analyze the materials and secure the area. Due to the rapid response, a potential tragedy was prevented, and the suspect faced immediate disciplinary action.

On September 26, 2024, Crime Stoppers held a press conference announcing an increased reward for information related to the August 2021 murder of U.S. Air Force member Albert Castillo Jr. Witnesses reported the victim and suspect had been involved in a dispute before the suspect was seen driving down the street and firing multiple shots from an AR-style rifle. The suspect was charged and later released on bond while awaiting trial. Just days before the trial was set to begin, he removed his ankle monitor and fled. A tip provided critical information that allowed authorities to locate and arrest the suspect, who is now back in custody awaiting trial.

On September 4, 2024, the suspect and several individuals were drinking beer on a bench when the victim exited their apartment and began walking to a nearby store. The suspect joined the victim on the sidewalk and shot him in the back of the head. After the victim fell, the suspect stood over him and fired multiple additional shots before taking the victim’s cellphone and walking away. Investigators later learned the same suspect had shot and killed another individual just one block away months earlier. An anonymous tip provided enough information for law enforcement to arrest the suspect, who is now in jail.

On October 1, 2024, two juvenile students confronted a fellow student in a school restroom. One suspect restrained the victim’s arms while the other touched the victim in an inappropriate manner. The victim managed to break free and escape. Shortly after, an anonymous campus tipster provided the names of both suspects. As a result, school officials took swift action, and the suspects faced administrative disciplinary consequences

In September 2024, a 21-year-old woman took to a Facebook group for prospective adoptive parents, posting an offer to place her unborn baby for adoption. As hopeful parents responded, the woman began demanding money in exchange for the child, even telling one couple that if the baby wasn’t worth $150, then “screw it.” Authorities launched an investigation, and charges were filed against the suspect. She remained at large until a tipster provided her location, leading to her arrest.

On August 27, 2024, University of Houston police officers responded to an Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon inside a dormitory. Upon arrival, officers interviewed the victim, who revealed they had been chatting on Instagram with a female. Their playful exchange led to the victim inviting her to their dorm room around 3:00 a.m. After spending some time together, the female left the room, and the victim stepped out to use the community bathroom. Upon returning, the victim was shocked to find two suspects, rummaging through their belongings. Startled, the victim dropped their cellphone, at which point both suspects brandished handguns, grabbed the phone, and fled on foot in an unknown direction. A tipster contacted Crime Stoppers and provided the names of the two men who were arrested as a result. Investigators later connected one of the suspects to a prior violent crime—the fatal shooting of a 90-year-old Navy veteran during a carjacking.

 On July 30, 2024, Crime Stoppers and partners released the names of fugitives wanted for animal cruelty to livestock animals and dogs. One suspect was wanted for neglecting a horse to the point where it was severely malnourished and had the lowest body score possible. Another was wanted for kicking a dog causing it to slide several feet across concrete. Two different tipsters contacted the tip line within days of the press conference to provide the location of these fugitives. Both were arrested and are awaiting trial.