Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force

05/27/2026

Great job by everyone involved!

Burglary Investigation Leads to Recovery of Stolen Property and Arrest

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has successfully recovered a significant amount of stolen property and arrested a suspect following a swift burglary investigation on County Road 4724.

On May 25, 2026, Sergeant Drew Fisher and Deputy Hayden Hollon responded to a report of a burglary of a building. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that numerous items had been stolen, including a S**g zero-turn mower, a gun safe, multiple power tools, and various pieces of personal property. While processing the scene, investigators quickly developed a lead and immediately began tracking the suspect.

Through diligent investigative work, Sgt. Fisher and Deputy Hollon identified Michael Douglas Ruff as the primary suspect. On the morning of May 26, investigators executed a search warrant at a Hopkins County property connected to the case.

During the search, investigators successfully recovered nearly all of the items reported stolen in the burglary. Additionally, law enforcement located a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and ma*****na on the property.

Investigators also discovered a four-wheeler that had been reported stolen out of Coal County, Oklahoma, nearly a decade ago, in 2017.

Arrest & Charges:

Michael Douglas Ruff was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hopkins County Jail for booking. He has been charged with:

Burglary of a Building

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1, Less Than One Gram)

This investigation remains active, and additional charges are expected as the case progresses.

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office commends Sgt. Drew Fisher and Deputy Hayden Hollon for their rapid and thorough investigative efforts, and extends sincere appreciation to the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force for their vital assistance in this case.

05/04/2026

05/02/2026

Bring the kids out to Kid Safe Saturday today from 9AM - 1PM at the Love Civic Center 2025 S Collegiate Dr Paris, Texas! Be sure to stop by the Auto Theft Booth and have a discussion with us about protecting your vehicle and property!

02/23/2026

On 02/23/2026, NE TX ATTF Detectives recovered a VIN Swapped 2018 Dodge Challenger in Texarkana, Arkansas that was reported stolen out of Arlington, Texas in 2024.

NE TX ATTF Dectives were contacted by NICB Special Agents and asked to look into a vehicle being operated in Texarkana, Texas. A vehicle in Tennessee was found to have the same VIN as the one in Texarkana. Detectives located the vehicle in Texarkana, Arkansas and with the assistance of Texarkana Arkansas PD, conducted an inspection on it.
Detectives found the VIN displayed on the vehicle was fake and the true VIN was reported stolen. The subject in possession of the vehicle purchased it off Facebook Marketplace, not knowing it was stolen. The vehicle had previously been stopped by Officers without specialized training in detection of VIN Swap vehicles. This is a great example of our MVCPA grant funded task force being able to put our specialized training to use to assist other agency's and get another stolen vehicle back to the rightful owner.
This is another reminder to be extra weary of Facebook Marketplace deals. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.

02/03/2026

01/22/2026

We will be in Bonham, Texas conducting VTR 68-A Inspections today until 1PM. Call 430-228-2741 if you need an inspection.

01/13/2026

On Saturday January 10th, NE TX ATTF Detectives were advised McCurtain County Sheriff's Office was attempting to locate a known suspect who had burglarized a school and was possibly driving a stolen vehicle with unknown license plate. Detectives worked with Paris Patrol Officers to identify and locate the vehicle. The known suspect was found in the vehicle, along with stolen property from the school in McCurtain County. Detectives determined the vehicle, a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, was also stolen out of McCurtain County Oklahoma. Task Force detectives placed the known subject under arrest and worked with McCurtain County Sheriff's Office to return the stolen property to the school.

This is a great example of agencies out of different states working together to recover stolen property and apprehend suspects!

12/09/2025

JOINT PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office & Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office
DATE: December 9, 2025
CONTACT: Sheriff Lewis Tatum (Hopkins County) / Sheriff Bryan Beavers (Kaufman County)
Multi-State Fraud and Theft Operation Leads to Recovery of Over $370,000 in Stolen Equipment and Trailers
Sulphur Springs, TX / Kaufman, TX — Investigators with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force recently concluded a successful operation that resulted in the recovery of over $370,000 in stolen trailers and equipment and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The investigation began when Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force Investigators with the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office started assisting other agencies with a theft investigation involving trailers and equipment purchased using fraudulent documents. These Investigators soon recognized connections to similar cases spanning multiple counties across Texas, including Cooke County.
Cooke County Investigators quickly partnered with the Northeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, and their collaborative efforts led to the development of a strong lead.
On December 8, 2025, the coordinated investigation culminated in the ex*****on of a search warrant in Kaufman County, conducted with the essential support and assistance of the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office.
During the ex*****on of the search warrant, 14 confirmed stolen items of equipment and trailers were recovered.
The total value of the recovered items exceeds $370,000.
The recovered property was reported stolen across multiple states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum of Hopkins County expressed his gratitude for the interstate cooperation. "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and the Cooke County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance in this case. The success of this operation highlights the power of inter-agency task forces in tackling organized criminal activity that crosses county and state lines."
An arrest warrant has been issued for one subject, and additional warrants are expected as this remains a continuing investigation.

11/21/2025

On November 17, 2025, at approximately 4:14 a.m, three individuals unlawfully entered a vehicle at Logan’s Pointe and stole a rifle. The Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying these suspects.

If you recognize any of the individuals or have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Mount Vernon Police Department at 903-537-4539 or Crime Stoppers at 903-577-8477. Tips provided to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest or conviction may result in a reward of up to $1,000. Your help is vital in keeping our community safe. Thank you.

11/21/2025

Stolen Vehicle Recovered; One Suspect Arrested, Another Sought

On November 17, 2025, the Red River County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen white 2017 Chevrolet 3500 with a trip-hopper cattle feeder from Woodland AG on FM 410 North. Surveillance footage showed two unidentified suspects entering a barn on the property shortly before the vehicle was taken.

During the investigation, Investigators Lt. Freddy Booker and Sgt. Mike Taylor developed information leading them to a residence in the 5200 block of FM 195. Contact was made with an adult male at the location, who denied involvement.

On November 19, deputies responded to a call regarding suspected trespassers on property in the 5000 block of FM 195. Investigators located the stolen truck on the property, with evidence indicating the feeder unit was being removed. Additional evidence at a nearby residence matched surveillance details from the theft, including shoe prints and clothing.

An arrest warrant and search warrant were obtained for the residence at 5225 FM 195. During ex*****on of the search warrant, Red River County Sheriff’s Office Street Crimes Unit deputies seized methamphetamine, ma*****na, THC wax, two handguns (one confirmed stolen) and several hundred rounds of ammunition. Clayton Eggleston, 32, was arrested at the scene. He later confessed to stealing the truck and implicated Kevin Thompson in the offense.

Eggleston was charged with:
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
Felon in Possession of a Firearm (x2)
Theft of a Firearm (Enhanced)
Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1
Possession of Controlled Substance PG 2
Possession of Ma*****na

Thompson was not present during the search and remains wanted in connection with the investigation. Anyone with information regarding Thompson’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Red River County Sheriff’s Office 903-427-3838.