“Good Samaritan” Ploy Leads to Vehicle Theft; MCSO Deputies Arrest Two and Recover Stolen Cell Tower Batteries

NEW CANEY, TX -- On December 5, 2025, Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to a stolen vehicle call in the 25000 block of Hunters Trail, New Caney, Texas.

Upon arrival, Deputies learned that the victim’s vehicle had accidentally become stuck off the roadway. Two male subjects stopped, appearing to assist the victim. However, once the vehicle was freed, one of the men immediately entered the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene, followed by the second suspect in their original vehicle.

Deputies immediately canvassed the area and successfully located both the stolen vehicle and the suspects at a residence on Pine Street in New Caney.

Auto Theft Task Force Investigators and Property Detectives responded to the scene to assist Patrol Deputies. During the recovery of the stolen vehicle, investigators discovered it had been utilized to transport stolen AT&T cell tower batteries, which were found inside the vehicle.

The suspects have been identified as 19-year-old Jace Gilmore and 26-year-old Ryan Fath who were both arrested for the charge of Felony Theft, and transported to the Montgomery County Jail.

This case serves as an example of excellent work by Patrol Deputies, combined with supportive follow-up by Investigators and Detectives. The quick response and thorough search of the area resulted in the recovery of the victim's property and the resolution of an additional theft involving critical infrastructure.

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