safety
Presidio County deputies recover 3 stolen vehicles headed to Mexico; driver arrested
By Tamlyn Price at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
PECOS COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Three stolen vehicles bound for Mexico were recovered during a traffic stop in Presidio County after deputies noticed expired temporary vehicle tags.The stop happened as a transmigrante carrier was traveling toward the border crossing into Ojinaga, Chihuahua, accordin...
Key takeaway Investigators recovered a 2025 Toyota RAV4, a 2015 Toyota Tacoma and a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Why this matters in The Midland
The recovery of three stolen vehicles in Presidio County is a significant win for local law enforcement, particularly given the proximity to the Midland -Odessa area. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of vehicle theft in the region, with the stolen vehicles originating from the Houston area. The fact that the vehicles were bound for Mexico and had fictitious vehicle identification numbers suggests a sophisticated smuggling operation. The arrest of Bernardo Espinoza and the seizure of the tractor and trailer used to transport the vehicles will likely disrupt this operation, at least temporarily. As Midland County residents, it's crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent similar crimes from occurring in our community. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies across the state is also noteworthy, as it demonstrates a commitment to combating organized crime and protecting local residents' property.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? PECOS COUNTY, Texas (KOSA) - Three stolen vehicles bound for Mexico were recovered during a traffic stop in Presidio County after deputies noticed expired temporary vehicle tags.The stop happened as a transmigrante carrier was traveling toward the border crossing into Ojinaga, Chihuahua, accordin...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tamlyn Price at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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