Investigators say the suspect stole equipment meant for flood rescue and recovery efforts in Kerrville.
SAN ANTONIO — KENS 5 cameras captured the moment a fugitive wanted on nine felony warrants was taken into custody after a coordinated, multi-agency manhunt brought his months-long crime spree to an end.
Investigators say 26-year-old Anthony Brandon Ibarra is responsible for a string of burglaries, including the theft of equipment intended for flood rescue and recovery efforts in Kerr County.
According to arrest records, the crime spree began July 11, 2025, at a property in the 6300 block of West Avenue — a central holding facility for a sports complex. Police say more than $3,500 worth of tools, field equipment, concession supplies and office property was stolen or damaged.
Just days later, on July 20, investigators say Ibarra targeted a FEMA trailer storing generators and supplies used in rescue and cleanup efforts following the deadly Fourth of July floods in Kerr County. Authorities say Ibarra cut locks and stole two Honda generators along with other equipment.
When he fled the scene, police say Ibarra dropped one of the stolen items — allowing detectives to recover two fingerprints that matched him. But, Ibarra was still on the run.
Police say Ibarra returned to the West Avenue sports complex multiple times in the following months. On Sept. 25, investigators say he stole nearly $9,000 worth of tools. According to an arrest warrant, detectives determined through images captured in surveillance video, the same suspect was responsible for the multiple break-ins.
On Oct. 19, Castle Hills police responded to yet another burglary at the same location just after midnight. Officers say the suspect cut through a fence and stole more than $2,200 worth of items, including an iPad and commercial-grade power tools.
After that incident, police installed Flock cameras and requested help from the Texas Rangers, who added additional surveillance in the area.
The investigation intensified on Nov. 3, when police say Ibarra robbed a victim at gunpoint and assaulted him at a Medical Center area hotel. Officers later recovered the victim’s backpack containing a firearm, which the victim said was not his and was used by Ibarra during the robbery.
Later that month, on Nov. 24, Balcones Heights police say Ibarra broke into a business at a local business park and stole about $4,000 worth of property.
Two days later, both Balcones Heights and Castle Hills police realized they were searching for the same suspect.
On Dec. 13, cameras again caught Ibarra returning to the sports complex — this time with another suspect. Officers attempted to stop them, but police say both men ran. One suspect was caught, but Ibarra escaped with about $1,200 in stolen items.
The arrested suspect later told investigators that Ibarra, who went by the nickname “Trip,” was known to threaten people and often carried a gun.
A Crime Stoppers bulletin aired on Dec. 15 about the reported aggravated robbery at the Super 7 Hotel on Fredericksburg Road in November.
Tips later helped Texas Rangers recognize Ibarra as the same suspect connected to the repeated burglaries.
Ibarra’s run from the law ended on Jan. 1, 2026.
Investigators say the suspect even stole equipment meant for flood rescue, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS troopers and Texas Rangers, along with officers from Castle Hills, Balcones Heights and San Antonio police departments, located Ibarra near IH-10 and North Vance Jackson Road.
A brief foot pursuit followed before he was taken into custody on the property of a nearby residence without further incident.
Police say Ibarra had nine outstanding felony warrants, including one for aggravated robbery issued by the San Antonio Police Department. He is also charged with evading and burglary.