Squatter arrested, damages property with tractor

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GONZALES COUNTY – A San Antonio man was arrested after authorities said he was spotted inside a vacant home without permission and damaged several properties with a tractor.

Sheriff Matt Atkinson reported that on Wednesday, June 7, sheriff’s deputies Kathyrn Stewart and Jared Brumme were dispatched to a vacant house located on CR461 near Harwood in reference to a possible break-in.  Upon arrival, Stewart saw a man identified as Richard Stephens, III, 30, of San Antonio inside the vacant house and detained him pending further investigation.  After contacting the property owner, Stewart determined that Stephens did not have permission to be inside the house and had also driven two tractors without permission, causing damage to several properties in the area.

Stephens was arrested at the scene and transported to the Gonzales County Jail where he is charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle.  Stephens also had three outstanding warrants, one from Harrison County for Burglary and two from Gregg County for theft.  He remains in jail on bonds totaling $140,000.

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