CCSO: Man arrested for stolen vehicle

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was arrested for attempting to cross the Veterans Port of Entry in a stolen vehicle, authorities said.

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, a Cameron County Sheriff's Deputy observed a suspicious GMC pick-up truck attempting to cross at the Port of Entry in Brownsville, according to a press release.

The deputy stopped the vehicle and interviewed the driver who was identified as 17-year-old Juan Carlos Pecina.

^{Juan Carlos Pecina (Photo Courtesy: Cameron County Sheriff's Office)}

Based on Pecina's inconsistent statements and other indicators, the deputy developed a suspicion that the vehicle was stolen.

Contact was made with the owner of the vehicle to inquire if they had knowledge of the vehicle's whereabouts and confirmed the vehicle had been stolen, the release stated.

During questioning, Sheriff Investigators learned Pecina did have knowledge the vehicle was stolen and was crossing it into Mexico for financial compensation.

Pecina was transported to Carrizales Rucker Detention Center pending arraignment and was charged with theft of motor vehicle.