ODESSA, Texas — Joel Lopez Ortega Jr., 36, was arrested after allegedly breaking into Barron Paint, stealing a company vehicle, and leading deputies on a pursuit, authorities reported.
According to the Odessa Police Department, officers responded around 8:34 a.m. Saturday to the 1300 block of East Second Street, where a man had reportedly broken into the business and taken the keys to a white Ford Escape.
Patrolling nearby, officers spotted the stolen vehicle near University Boulevard and Golder Avenue and identified Ortega as the driver. When police activated their emergency lights, Ortega allegedly sped off.
The Ector County Sheriff’s Office took over the chase, which ended when the Ford Escape crashed in the 400 block of West 57th Street.
After being read his Miranda rights, Ortega reportedly admitted to the burglary, stealing the vehicle, and evading officers. He was also found in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills.
Ortega faces charges including burglary of a building, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He remains in custody at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center on a combined $42,000 bond.
