Suspects identified in Walmart theft

GONZALES – Police have identified two suspects charged in connection with a recent Walmart theft totaling nearly $10,000.

Capt. Allen Taylor said that on Feb. 14, Officer Gabriel Trevino was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a theft in progress. While en route the officer learned from dispatch that the suspects had fled the scene in a silver-colored Kia SUV, and was given a license plate number.

During the investigation police learned that two men had forced their way into locked glass cases in the electronics department, taking nearly $10,000 worth of iPhones and Straight Talk phones. The men placed the phones in a tote bag and left the store.

With cooperation from Houston and Deer Park Police Departments, as well as the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Taylor conducted a further investigation that led to the identification of Robert Eugene Smith and Donald Ray Kimbrough, both of Houston, on March 7.

Kimbrough was arrested and is currently in custody in Houston. He is awaiting extradition to Gonzales County. Smith had not yet been arrested as of press time Monday.

Taylor said they two suspects are believed to be involved in similar thefts at various Walmart locations, including one in San Marcos and a failed attempt in New Braunfels.