Three men have been arrested following a sting operation at Houston Freightliner, accused of stealing valuable big rig parts. The Houston Police Department (HPD) initiated the operation in response to a surge in thefts targeting powertrain controllers, essential components in large trucks.
On Monday, police conducted a sting at Houston Freightliner located on the Crosby Freeway. This operation led to the arrest of Javon Noble, Kameron Jones, and Jaylon Cooper. The trio is alleged to have stolen seven powertrain controllers, with an estimated value of $56,000. Authorities have chosen not to disclose the specific tactics used in the sting that resulted in the arrests to protect ongoing investigations.
Powertrain controllers are currently in high demand and short supply within the auto parts industry. A global microchip shortage has significantly impacted their availability, driving up their value, particularly on the black market. This scarcity makes them a prime target for theft, impacting businesses that rely on these parts for vehicle maintenance and repair.
Mike Poutous, owner of Poutous Auto Repair, confirmed the broader supply chain issues affecting the auto parts industry. “We may be waiting two or three weeks for a specific part and it doesn’t matter the manufacturer,” Poutous stated, highlighting the widespread delays in obtaining necessary components. While his business doesn’t typically deal with powertrain controllers, the general parts shortage underscores the vulnerability of the auto repair sector.
Notably, Javon Noble has a prior arrest in Mississippi from January. In that instance, police discovered Noble in possession of 60 stolen car parts, including powertrain controllers, indicating a pattern of involvement in auto parts theft.
This recent sting operation at Houston Freightliner emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by the trucking industry and auto parts suppliers due to theft and supply chain disruptions. The arrests represent a step towards addressing the rising issue of big rig parts theft in the Houston area.
