In the early hours of January 2nd, Irving Police responded to reports of an auto theft that had just occurred in the city. At approximately 2:30 am, officers were dispatched to the scene, and a sequence of events unfolded leading to the arrest of two suspects.
As one officer was en route to the reported theft location, another patrolling the area spotted the stolen vehicle. Upon initiating a traffic stop, the stolen vehicle attempted to flee. During the pursuit, the stolen vehicle experienced mechanical issues, emitting smoke, and eventually breaking down on the center median, where the driver abandoned the car and fled on foot.
As officers chased the suspect, a second vehicle arrived at the scene, and the suspect quickly entered it, making a getaway. Another pursuit ensued with the second vehicle until it came to a stop, prompting the occupants to attempt to escape on foot. While two suspects, identified as 23-year-old Mustafa F. Najem and 17-year-old Anthony Enrique Vitela, were apprehended, a third occupant managed to evade officers successfully. Subsequent investigations revealed that the second vehicle was also stolen.
Mustafa F. Najem faces multiple charges, including two counts of Theft (property valued between $30,000 and $150,000), unauthorized use of a vehicle, engaging in organized crime, evading arrest with a moving vehicle, and evading arrest detention. Anthony Enrique Vitela is charged with Theft (property valued between $30,000 and $150,000), engaging in organized crime, and evading arrest detention. Bond amounts for the two suspects have yet to be determined.
Najem has drawn attention from various police departments, with NBC 5 recently highlighting his involvement in car thefts targeting high-performance vehicles. Notably, Najem was previously arrested by Plano Police on August 29, 2023, facing charges of aggravated assault against a public servant, evading arrest detention, theft of a Dodge Challenger and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
The rise in vehicle crimes is a concern nationally, as emphasized by Plano Police Officer Jennifer Chapman in the NBC 5 report. In response, she urged the public to exercise caution, emphasizing the increased boldness and potential danger posed by suspects armed with weapons. Officer Chapman suggested a proactive approach, encouraging individuals to install aftermarket GPS devices in their vehicles, hidden from plain view, to enhance the chances of recovery. Plano Police advised the public against approaching suspects and urged citizens to promptly contact 911 with any relevant information.
The investigation by the Irving Police Department into this incident is ongoing.
