Denton Police and federal agents arrested a 27-year-old man on Thursday afternoon after he allegedly committed a home invasion and stole a vehicle during a day-long evasion. Authorities identified the suspect as Arturo Lara, who was taken into custody around 3:10 p.m. on July 2.
The incident began earlier that morning when members of the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve a federal probation revocation warrant on Lara. The warrant was linked to a location in the 700 block of Hercules Lane. Instead of surrendering, Lara allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle, prompting a search by law enforcement.
Around 9:15 a.m., police received a 911 call regarding a man seen in a backyard in the 1900 block of Williamsburg Row. Responding officers discovered the vehicle Lara had reportedly used to escape earlier in the day. A K9 unit joined the search, but officers were unable to locate the suspect at that time.
The situation changed significantly around 11:20 a.m. when another 911 caller reported a home invasion in the 2000 block of Mistywood Lane. Investigators stated that a man matching Lara’s description forced entry into a residence, pushed a woman, threatened her with a knife, and took her vehicle. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Law enforcement later found the stolen car in the 500 block of East Windsor Drive. Officers established a perimeter around the area, leading to Lara’s apprehension without further incident. He was arrested on the outstanding federal warrant and is scheduled to be booked into the Denton County Jail.
