MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX — Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded on December 5, 2025, to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 25000 block of Hunters Trail in New Caney.

According to officials, the incident began when the victim’s vehicle became stuck off the roadway. Two men stopped and appeared to offer assistance. Once the vehicle was freed, however, one of the individuals entered the victim’s vehicle and drove away, while the second suspect followed in their own car.

Deputies launched an immediate search of the surrounding area and soon located both the stolen vehicle and the suspects at a residence on Pine Street in New Caney.

Investigators with the Auto Theft Task Force and Property Crimes Division responded to assist patrol units. During the recovery, investigators determined that the stolen vehicle had been used to transport AT&T cell tower batteries that had also been reported stolen. The batteries were found inside the vehicle.

The suspects, identified as 19-year-old Jace Gilmore and 26-year-old Ryan Fath, were arrested and charged with felony theft. Both were booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

Officials highlighted the case as an example of coordinated and effective police work, noting that the rapid response and thorough search by deputies led not only to the recovery of the victim’s property but also to the discovery and resolution of an additional theft involving critical infrastructure.