On Nov. 5, 2023, Plano Police Department Burglary Detectives, Vehicle Crimes Detectives and Patrol successfully apprehended a group of burglars who were allegedly targeting Asian-American residents in North Texas.
According to Plano police, in late October, detectives identified a pattern: a criminal ring specifically targeting Asian-American residents in Plano, Frisco and various North Texas areas. The burglaries involved daytime door-knocking, with the perpetrators posing as service or delivery personnel. Upon assessing an empty home, they would remove the home's electric meter and proceed to forcibly enter, committing burglary.
Detectives conducted surveillance on the group and observed them committing a similar offense on Nov. 5. During the incident, three residents were asleep inside the home when the suspects forcibly entered. Upon awakening, the residents dialed 911. Startled by the presence of occupants, the suspects fled in two vehicles. Detectives and patrol units converged on the scene, apprehending one vehicle near the site of the offense at Nash Lane and Rochelle Dr. The second vehicle proceeded north and was eventually halted in the 9700 block of Coit Road.
In an attempt to evade officers, one of the suspects took off on foot. Field Training Officer J. Privett and Recruit I Austin pursued the suspect through parking lots and across Coit Road. Officer Privett communicated the foot pursuit via radio while running, coordinating with other officers and detectives to block potential escape routes, leading to the apprehension of the suspect. With this individual now in custody, a total of five suspects have been arrested and are currently held in the Collin County Jail.
Juan Pinto-Rodriguez (aged 32), Adrianna Abello-Ruiz (24), Luis Tafur-Tovar (33), Helmer Patino-Calderon (43) and Jeisson Tafur-Tovar (29) are facing charges of allegedly engaging in organized criminal activity, classified as a first-degree felony. Each of them is currently detained, with bond amounts ranging from $50,000 to slightly over $100,000.
Plano police also shared tips on how to protect yourself and your neighbors: If any unscheduled visitors come to your home, call out to them and say something through the door — burglars typically leave when they encounter residents. If you see unknown persons at your neighbors’ homes, feel free to give them a call and see if they are expecting company.
