On Thursday, January 21, 2021, at approximately 2:47 p.m., Southeast Texas Auto Theft Investigators notified BPD Detectives of a stolen white Honda SUV. The vehicle had also been involved in numerous business robberies in the Beaumont area. Detectives located the vehicle near the area of Elgie and Avenue C. Patrol Officers responded to assist and the vehicle fled from officers. After a brief pursuit, BPD Officers were able to stop the vehicle in the 4200 block of Kenneth. The stolen vehicle was occupied by four suspects, all of whom were taken into custody and transported to the Beaumont Police Station to speak with Detectives. Following interviews, Eddie Dan Thomas III (17 year old Beaumont resident, ) was placed under arrest for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Evading Arrest/Detention in a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of a Dangerous Drug. K’Leb J’Corey Diamond (17 year old Beaumont resident,) and Ricki Bernard Slone III (17 year old Beaumont resident, ) were both placed under arrest for Possession of a Dangerous Drug. The fourth suspect in the vehicle was a 16 year old juvenile male and he was placed under arrest for Possession of a Dangerous Drug and transported to Minnie Rogers Juvenile Detention Center.
Detectives believe that this vehicle and several suspects have been involved in more than 10 local business robberies, as well as numerous robberies in surrounding cities. BPD Detectives are working closely with multiple law enforcement agencies to investigate this organized crime ring. Additional arrests and charges are expected.