A Texas man already wanted for human trafficking allegations is in the Comanche County Detention Center on $100,000 bond after he was accused of a string of vehicle thefts.
Edward Mathias Mertins, 47, made his initial appearance Friday in Comanche County District Court where he received a pair of felony charges of larceny of a motor vehicle, records indicate. Due to four prior felony convictions, he faces up to 20 years per count, if convicted.
Lawton Police Detective Louis Alvarez stated Mertins was arrested March 28 following a shed burglary at 1117 NW Elm and it was learned he had outstanding warrants from Bexar County, Texas, for a probation violation with an original charge of human trafficking and another warrant for tampering with an electronic monitoring device.
Mertins was identified as a suspect who eluded Apache police during a vehicle pursuit as well as three auto thefts, the probable cause affidavit states. The first theft was a Kia Optima and the second was for a Ford F-250 pickup with a dump trailer attached, both from Lawton, according to Alvarez. The third was for another Ford F-250 pickup.
On April 1, Mertins spoke with Alvarez. He said he’d been hiding in the shed because he thought the home was abandoned and admitted to leaving some property in the shed as well as the three recovered vehicles, according to the affidavit. He said he’d stolen the Kia from a home near Apache after he abandoned his truck and praised the pursuing officer as being “a really good driver,” Alvarez stated.
Mertins said he’d stolen the Ford F-250 with the trailer because he needed a truck but didn’t need the trailer so he disconnected it and left it at the Hilton Hotel, the affidavit states. He said the truck was about to break down and that’s why he took the other Ford pickup, according to Alvarez.
Records indicate Mertins has prior felony convictions: Comal County, Texas, February 2007, theft of property more than $1,500; Bexar County, Texas, August 2011, burglary and escape while arrested; and from San Antonio County, Texas, August 2014, evading arrest with a vehicle.
Mertins returns to court at 3 p.m. June 18 for his preliminary hearing conference..
Want to reach a local audience and grow your business?
Our website is the perfect platform to connect with engaged readers in your local area.
Whether you're looking for banner ads, sponsored content, or custom promotions, we can tailor a package to meet your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about advertising opportunities!
CONTACT US NOW
