Don Peritz Jr.

Just before 5:00pm yesterday, the Fort Worth Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire at the Frank Kent Cadillac dealership in the 3500 block of West Loop 820. As crews were battling the fire that was quickly spreading from one SUV to the next, they realized these were all electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are more complex to battle versus the ordinary gas/diesel vehicles that we are all familiar with. One of the issues with electric vehicles is that they have the potential to burn MUCH hotter than an average fire. The batteries of these vehicles are built to be completely sealed off. That is incredibly helpful when trying to protect the vehicle from daily driving conditions (etc.). BUT it presents a complex set of issues for firefighters when they are attempting to extinguish these fires. The vehicles are deliberately built not to let water in. In many of the photos, you will see vehicles covered in what looks like a blanket. These special vehicle blankets were placed on the cars to hold the fire at bay while other vehicles in the path of the fire were moved away. This would prevent the spread of fire to the exposure vehicles which would inevitably have created a bigger issue. In total, six electric SUVs were destroyed. There were at least two others that suffered damage. This scene turned into an extended operation with crews rotating every two hours throughout the night. The ticket for this incident was finally closed this morning at 10:28am with companies finally able to return to their stations. The entire incident lasted 17 hours and 33 minutes. There were no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Stay safe, #FortWorth.

Garland Police Disrupt Organized Vehicle Theft Crew A several-month-long investigation by the Garland Police Department has disrupted an organized criminal crew responsible for at least 25 vehicle thefts and burglaries across Garland and surrounding cities, totaling more than $62,000 in stolen property. Investigators identified the group as a structured operation with clearly defined roles, targeting older model Chevrolet, GMC, and Dodge trucks from the 1990s to early 2000s, as well as work vans. The investigation began in late November 2025 following a vehicle theft case in which detectives identified one of the suspects. As additional thefts occurred through December and into early 2026, detectives were able to identify several other individuals working together as part of the same crew. Over the following months, coordinated efforts across multiple divisions – including Criminal Investigations, Neighborhood Police Officers, and Gang Unit Investigators – allowed officers to map the group’s operation, which primarily occurred during early morning hours. Five individuals were arrested in early April. Charges filed against the suspects include Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, along with multiple counts of theft of motor vehicles, burglary of motor vehicles, and theft of motor vehicle parts. The following individuals have been arrested, and as of April 20, all suspects remain in custody at the Dallas County Jail. • 31-year-old Mario Oder Hernandez • 33-year-old Taylor Baker • 33-year-old Cesar Ortega • 29-year-old Jonathan Yarzabal • 34-year-old Malcolm Faggett The Garland Police Department reminds residents to remain vigilant by locking vehicles, removing valuables, and reporting suspicious activity promptly. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to link additional cases. Additional mugshot in the comments.