COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – A College Station teenager is facing criminal charges related to an organized vehicle theft spree that hit neighborhoods in Bryan and College Station.

Police say 17-year-old Devontae Marquis Franklin tried to hide a cell phone that investigators believe holds evidence of his involvement in several recent burglaries.

The investigation began when Bryan police responded to an early morning call on Sept. 14 in which a suspect was reported to have broken into a car. By the time officers arrived, the man had already fled, but police spotted a silver Chevy Impala speeding away nearby. They tried to pull the car over, but the driver rear-ended police twice before parking and fleeing on foot near an apartment complex in College Station.

Police say they later linked the abandoned car to an address associated with Franklin’s alleged acquaintances. When officers searched the Impala, they found several stolen items, including credit cards, a social security card, personal checks and empty firearm magazines. They also recovered gloves, a ski mask and marijuana. Police say the car contained evidence from several recent car break-ins.

According to arrest reports, surveillance footage and phone records revealed a larger network of individuals who would work together to steal from the vehicles. Police say group texts show Franklin and others referred to “hitting” — their term for car break-ins — in targeted neighborhoods like Castlegate and The Barracks, areas known for their high volume of students and parked cars in College Station .

Police say this group planned burglaries, communicated stolen firearms and discussed selling the items.

Investigators say Franklin tried to hide his cell phone when officers arrived at his home for questioning, but eventually surrendered it. Franklin now faces charges of tampering with evidence for allegedly trying to intercept the phone.

According to arrest reports, police believe Franklin’s charge is just one piece of a larger, ongoing investigation into organized vehicle theft in the area. Police reports identify additional individuals suspected of involvement in the burglary ring, but we are withholding names and specific details until formal charges are filed.

On Thursday, KBTX asked College Station police for an update on the investigation into the vehicle theft suspect. We wanted to know if more arrests were expected, what evidence linked Franklin to the ring, and if there had been an increase in similar crimes. In response, Officer David Simmons, the department’s public information officer, said the case is still under investigation and declined to provide further details.

However, he urged residents to lock their doors, secure valuables and report suspicious activity.

Police always remind residents:

• Lock vehicles: close car doors and remove valuables, fobs and spare keys
• Lock Houses: Lock the doors of your house and residence
• Turn on the lights: Turn on your outdoor lights to help prevent crime
• Activate alarms: Activate all alarms and security systems
• Bring Valuables: Bring valuables from yards, patios and vehicles

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