Del Rio Man Arrested After Alleged $900 Generator Theft, Evading Arrest

Surveillance footage led Del Rio police to arrest 32-year-old Ivan Alejandro Gaytan after a reported theft of a portable generator and a subsequent vehicle evasion, authorities said. Officers responded to a call around 11:35 a.m. at NAPA Auto Parts on Veterans Boulevard after the business reported a generator valued at about $900 missing. Video showed a suspect leaving in a green Ford Freestyle.

Police located the vehicle later that afternoon at about 2:30 p.m. on Dr. Fermin Calderon Drive and initiated a traffic stop for equipment violations. Gaytan declined to stop, continued driving to his residence in the 600 block of East Viesca Street, and was detained there. He was arrested on a charge of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. The stolen generator was not recovered.

Officers found Gaytan in possession of a large amount of U.S. currency, and he was transported to the Del Rio Police Department before being booked into the GEO Correctional Facility pending magistration. Authorities said a separate theft case will be filed for theft of property valued over $750 with prior convictions. The investigation remained ongoing as of the latest update.

The incident on January 14, 2026, underscores recurring public-safety and economic concerns for Val Verde County businesses. A $900 loss may appear modest in absolute terms, but for neighborhood auto-parts stores and other small retailers that operate on thin margins, replacing tools or equipment can hit weekly cash flow and inventory management. Generators also serve as vital backup equipment during storms and power outages that affect local residents, so thefts of this kind can have ripple effects beyond immediate monetary loss.

Beyond the direct economic impact, the case highlights operational risks tied to short vehicle pursuits and the need for clear procedures when suspects flee. The pursuit described in this case ended without reported injury and with an on-foot detention at the suspect’s home, but vehicle evasions increase danger for officers and bystanders and attract additional charges that can complicate prosecutions and insurance claims.

For local residents and business owners, the episode is a reminder to strengthen on-site security measures: keep recorded surveillance, mark and tag portable equipment, and maintain up-to-date inventories for prompt reporting. Law enforcement continues to investigate the theft and the whereabouts of the missing generator. Charges are pending magistration, and any recovery of stolen property or additional leads will be processed through the Del Rio Police Department.