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FUGITIVE SEARCH
The fugitive associated with a January search warrant executed in Elgin remains at large, believed to be in possession of stolen firearms and trafficking illegal narcotics.
A joint operation was conducted with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Jan. 29 carrying out an arrest warrant for Steven Clint Thomas at 402 and 410 Houston St., independent from Elgin Police Department’s narcotics investigation but simultaneously executed, according to EPD Cmdr. Aaron Crim.
While carrying out the warrants, Mike Clark’s travel trailer and storage container at 408 Houston St. were also searched.
Elgin Chief of Police Chris Noble recently shared further details on the search warrant with the Courier.
“We did stray off the property and go into a storage unit and a travel trailer that was unoccupied. However, we had to clear it to ensure the fugitive we were looking for was not in the travel trailer,” Noble said. “We readily acknowledge that was an error. For tactical purposes, we would have been remiss had we not checked that trailer.”
While searching the correct house, Clark’s property in the middle appeared to be unoccupied and the department mistook it for the same location, according to Noble.
The department has since covered all expenses for damage inf licted on the travel trailer and container, according to Noble.
“It’s in better shape now than before we got there,” Noble added.
Clark initially believed the search warrant to be expired, but according to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure it was legally conducted within the allotted time period.
Prior to the search, the TCSO performed a controlled buy from the suspect and confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and fentanyl at the designated locations. The arrest affidavit signed by Judge Christopher Duggan stated probable cause that the suspect and/or his co-conspirators are actively trafficking illegal narcotics and stolen firearms.
The person of interest was not found at the scene.
Background information on the suspect led the department to believe he may also be in possession of live bombs and hand grenades, according to Noble.
“Everything short of an armored personnel carrier was brought, because of the guy we were looking for. That’s why there was so much caution taken when we’re dealing with him,” Noble said. “He’s certainly a threat. He knows we’re looking for him, but we want him to be comfortable in making mistakes.”
The suspect remains at large and the TCSO are actively searching for him. Noble stated he may still be in the Elgin area.
