SWEETWATER, Texas — Two men, Billy Martin and Bryce Long, were arrested on Saturday following a string of vehicle burglaries in Sweetwater, Texas.
According to the Sweetwater Police Department, officers responded to a report of a vehicle burglary at the Holiday Inn Express on I-20. Upon arriving at the scene, Martin was arrested on the spot and found in possession of a stolen handgun. Long, however, attempted to flee on foot into a dense wooded area.
In a coordinated effort, multiple agencies responded to the scene. The Sweetwater Police Department’s Drone Unit deployed thermal imaging technology to locate Long, while a K9 unit was also brought in to assist in the search. After a brief pursuit, Long was captured and was found to also be carrying a firearm.
Following the arrests, investigators discovered a wide array of stolen property, including electronics, tools, firearms, and ID cards. The stolen items led police to suspect the two men had been targeting hotel parking lots across several cities, ranging from Odessa to Abilene.
Both men were booked into the Nolan County Jail on multiple charges. Long faces several serious charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, burglary of a motor vehicle, and evading arrest. Martin faces similar charges, including theft of a firearm, possession of identifying information, and burglary of a motor vehicle.
The case remains under investigation, and law enforcement officials have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as more details are uncovered. The arrest highlights a continued effort by Sweetwater police and local agencies to address vehicle burglaries in the region, utilizing advanced technologies like drones and K9 units to ensure public safety.
