Bellaire Children's Gym Burglar Arrested After Bicycle Chase, More Charges Expected

Erick Garcia-Pena led Bellaire police on a bicycle chase through the streets near Ferris before officers caught him, capping what investigators believe was at least a four-time burglary spree targeting a gym built for children with autism and other special needs.

Officers responded to a burglary-in-progress call at We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym on the 6700 block of Ferris at about 8 p.m. Tuesday. Garcia-Pena had already slipped out the back by the time police arrived, but he didn't get far. After a short pursuit, officers located and arrested him near Atwell.

According to Bellaire PD, Garcia-Pena was charged with felony evading arrest and attempted burglary of a building. Separately, police say he currently faces charges including evading arrest and criminal mischief, and investigators say more charges are expected as the case develops.

The gym's owner, Kyle Loyd, said the newly installed security measures his family had added after repeated break-ins played a direct role in the arrest. "Officers responded right away and arrived within about five minutes. The suspect had already left by the time police got there, but officers were close enough to the area to catch him," Loyd said.

Investigators say surveillance video captured Tuesday's break-in attempt and ties Garcia-Pena to other burglaries at the same gym. After the business was targeted at least four times, Loyd installed additional cameras and added a burglary bar to the building. Despite those precautions, the back door showed visible damage from the most recent attempt.

The items Garcia-Pena allegedly took during previous break-ins were not high-value goods. "The suspect allegedly took small items like cash, snacks, and drinks, things that could easily be carried in his arms or pockets before leaving," Loyd said.

We Rock the Spectrum serves children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs, and the repeated targeting hit Loyd hard. "The situation has been heartbreaking because the gym is a small family operation run by him, his wife, and their kids. The gym is meant to be a happy and safe place for children, and it should not be a target for crime," he said.

The arrest brought Loyd some relief after weeks of strain. "I felt relieved after the arrest because the situation had been weighing on his family, and he believed the suspect would keep coming back," he said.

Bellaire PD said Garcia-Pena may also be responsible for burglaries at other locations in Bellaire beyond the Ferris Street gym, and the investigation remains ongoing.