Crime
Crime Stoppers Tip Leads To Arrest Of Texas Most Wanted Gang Member - KFYO
Ronnie Matthew Velarde, a 37-year-old on Texas' Most Wanted Fugitive list since May 2026, was arrested in Midland after an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers led the Texas Department of Public Safety to his location. Velarde had been wanted for parole violations tied to burglary and organized criminal activity charges that stretch back to 2008.
Velarde had been wanted for parole violations tied to burglary and organized criminal activity charges that stretch back to 2008. His criminal record also includes evading arrest, theft, and manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance. He had been sentenced to prison multiple times before his most recent parole release in April.
For people across the South Plains, the arrest is a reminder that the anonymous tip system works. Texas DPS credited a concerned citizen with providing the information that brought Velarde in. No law enforcement officer spotted him on a routine stop. Someone picked up the phone.
Common questions
Who is Ronnie Velarde and why was he wanted?
- Ronnie Matthew Velarde is a 37-year-old who had been on Texas' Most Wanted Fugitive list since May 2026. He was wanted for parole violations tied to burglary and organized criminal activity charges dating back to 2008, with a record that also includes theft, evading arrest, and drug charges.
How did Crime Stoppers help catch this Texas Most Wanted fugitive?
- An anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers gave Texas DPS the location they needed to find Velarde in Midland. No officer spotted him through routine patrol. The arrest shows the anonymous tip system works, and a concerned citizen was directly credited by Texas DPS for bringing him in.
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