Pflugerville, TX — Two teenagers have been arrested following an investigation into the theft of 34 firearms from a Pflugerville gun store, according to arrest warrant affidavits filed by Pflugerville police.
The investigation began after a July 2 burglary in which police said two individuals entered the business after the front door glass was broken. Multiple firearm display and storage cases were damaged, and investigators found shattered glass throughout the sales floor. A large rock was found near the damaged cases.
Police said the suspects fled in an SUV that had previously been reported stolen to Austin police. Investigators later recovered the vehicle and said fingerprints found inside were linked to a 15-year-old already known to law enforcement.
Investigators were also directed to an Instagram account where the 15-year-old allegedly appeared in posts holding handguns similar to firearms stolen from the store.
The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested the 15-year-old on July 27 after troopers stopped another stolen SUV during a pursuit, according to the affidavit.
The investigation later led authorities to an east Austin apartment, where the Central Texas Regional SWAT Team assisted with an Aug. 13 search.
Police identified a second suspect as 17-year-old Jacob Vallejo. According to the affidavit, Vallejo allegedly told Pflugerville police and federal investigators that he was holding firearms for the 15-year-old.
Authorities recovered three handguns from the apartment. Investigators alleged two were equipped with automatic-fire switches.
Vallejo faces charges of possession of a prohibited weapon and theft of a firearm. Because the other suspect is 15, his identity was not released in the information provided.
Criminal charges and allegations are accusations. Those accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.