On Sunday, January 21, 2024, around 6:07 p.m., Gillespie County deputies responded to a call for assistance from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office in a pursuit involving two citizens in the 18000 block of North Ranch Road 783.
The pursuit, originating in Gillespie County, came to an end about ¾-mile into Mason County.
A vigilant driver chased a suspicious vehicle that had left a residence within the 13900 block of North Ranch Road 783 just moments earlier.
The driver of the vehicle that was pursuing the suspicious vehicle, struck it several times forcing it off the roadway where he detained both occupants, 45-year-old Tony Lerma of Johnson City and 42-year-old April Michelle Castillo of Burnet, at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived.
GCSO deputies collaborated with MCSO deputies at the location. Upon interviewing Castillo and Lerma, it was revealed that they had illegally trespassed into a garage and stolen various items, including a bicycle, hand tools, personal effects, power tools, and golf clubs. The stolen items were positively identified by the homeowner through photographs and evidence found in the suspect vehicle.
April Michelle Castillo and Tony Lerma were arrested by the GCSO and charged with Burglary of a Building. Following their arrest, they were transported to the Gillespie County Jail where their bond was set at $25,000.
The crash portion of the incident was turned over to the MCSO to conclude the investigation.
